InTraining 1500 metre Classic marks UQ Athletics Centre reopening

The recent InTraining 1500 metre Classic has marked the reopening of the University of Queensland's sports field at St Lucia.

After being sidelined for 12 months, the athletics event marked the official reopening of the UQ Athletics Centre after extensive post-flood repairs.

The 1500 metre Classic was one of the last events to be held in 2010 before the track was closed for resurfacing - a job that was supposed to be finished by Christmas.

However, the floodwaters that devastated much of Brisbane in January lifted the new rubber lining and underlying asphalt, and covered the facility's playing fields, tennis courts and gym lower level in water and debris.

Venue Manager Tom Brandt told Brisbane newspaper The Courier Mail that two sets of high jump mats and some pole vault mats were lost to the water, but that community support in the hours before the river rose saw most equipment saved, stating "we started with only three of us but the help just kept coming!"

The new Olympic standard eight-lane Rekortan synthetic track was put to the test during an event that saw additional 1500 metre races for categories from primary age athletes, right through to masters level.

Brandt added the event was a chance for the athletics community to celebrate what had been a long year away, stating "I think we're all overjoyed. It's a relief for them to be able to come back and train here."

Brandt believes that the event makes a positive contribution to the development of distance running in Queensland, adding "the 1500 metres has been on the program at every Olympic Games and is one of the great track events.

"The Intraining 1500m Classic has proven to be very popular over the years with large fields of up to 20 athletes featuring in any race."

InTraining has continued their support of the event as a principal sponsor, a commitment which has held since the event's inception in 2004.

For more information go to www.uqsport.com.au

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