Cooks Classic and ANZ M19/W19 3000m champs venue change

The Cooks Classic track and field meeting, including the Athletics New Zealand 3000m championships for M19 and W19 will now be held in Palmerston North on the same date as previously announced, Tuesday 25 January 2010. The change in venue has come about because of a late rescheduling of the track resurfacing work at Cooks Gardens, Wanganui, meaning it will not be available for the planned date.

 Athletics Wanganui Chairman Mike Dwyer is happy that the Cooks Gardens track is being upgraded, but disappointed at the timing which means the facility will not be ready in time for the traditional Cooks Classic event.  Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club are assisting with hosting the meeting to ensure that it can go ahead in 2011.

 The Rio 2016 Squad Summer Camp has also been transferred from Wanganui to Palmerston North and will run from 24 – 27 January. The camp will see over 50 of New Zealand’s top young athletes and their coaches gathering for four days of competition, training and planning under the leadership of Rio 2016 Project Manager Terry Lomax and the Rio squad coaches.

 The late change of venue has forced the cancellation of the traditional Young Olympians Camp, although Camp Director, Alec McNab has indicated that the camp may be held later in 2011.