A major athletics event is set to return in 2023 with the addition of World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger Status for the second consecutive year.
The Belfast Irish Milers Meet has also been awarded a European Athletics Permit and will be held on Saturday, May 13 next year.
The World Athletics Continental Tour is an annual series of track and field athletic competitions, recognised by World Athletics. It forms the second tier of international one-day meetings after the Diamond League.
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The awarding of a World Athletics Status paid dividends for the Belfast Meet in 2022 which saw Louise Shanahan set a New Irish 800m Record, clocking 1m 59.42secs for the two-lap event.
Eamonn Christie, Race Director and Founder of the Belfast Irish Milers Meet, said: “I’m delighted the track meet has retained both its European Permit and World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger Status for 2023.
“The Meet has continued to progress each year and being included in the World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger event opens opportunities to attract global athletes, which in turn benefits our local athletes."
Christie also acknowledged the continued partnership with Tripadvisor and is hopeful this partnership will continue into future years.
“Following the success of 2022 with the meet being written into the Irish Record Books with Louise Shanahan’s 800m record, Justin Reid, former Northern Ireland international athlete from Tripadvisor soon announced their commitment to the event in 2023," Christie added.
"It’s a huge boost for the meet again as we can assist athletes with travel and accommodation and offer fair prize money."
This year Christie has followed a similar racing programme as previous events, with the exception of the men's and women's 5000m being replaced with a 3000m.
He is hopeful the 2023 meet will see the return of many Olympians including Great Britain’s Alex Bell and Irish 1500m record holder Ciara Mageean.
Nick Griggs, multiple Irish U18 and Junior record holder will also hopefully be competing, along with Great Britain’s Ethan Hussey, bronze medalist at the World Junior Championships in Cali this summer and winner of the Men's 1500m at the 2022 Belfast Irish Milers Meet.
Race day will get under way with a Junior 1000m and it is hoped many rising stars including Under 12 World 5k Record Holder Emer McKee from Willowfield Harriers Athletics Club will return.
The Belfast Irish Milers Meet will take place on Saturday, May 13 2023 at the Mary Peters Track Belfast, between 12-5pm. The event is free for spectators.
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