This Thursday evening brings the annual Victoria International Track Classic to University of Victoria’s Centennial Stadium. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect for the event courtesy of Chris Kelsall . This article was originally posted on the Flotrack website .

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The Victoria International Track Classic is quickly becoming the most successful in the event’s 20 year history. Interest from spectators, sponsors and athletes alike has grown for the 2008 edition of the ‘Track Classic’ including having to close entry to athletes in record time.

"We are really excited about the 20th Anniversary edition of the Victoria International Track Classic. We have had phenomenal interest from all around the globe," said Race Director, Gillian McHaffie.

They are: USA, Canada, Chad, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Bermuda, Guatamala, Haiti, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, Liberia, Mexico and Switzerland.

Being an Olympic year has fueled interest from athletes as well. $20, 000 in prize money and iPod products to all individual and relay winners doesn’t hurt the numbers either. Local computer specialty retailer and sponsor, SoHo Computers are contributing the iPod products, in partnership with the race committee.

Events

800m – men’s
In the men’s 800m race, 2007 World Track and Field Championships (Osaka, Japan) silver medalist and Canadian 800m record holder, Gary Reed, will be racing.

Also, in the field are previous 5 x Canadian 800m champion and Olympian, Zach Whitmarsh (1:45′96), who is enjoying a comeback from semi-retirement. Nate Brennan and Canadian middle distance legend Kevin Sullivan will help push the finishing time. Nate’s personal best is 1:46’09. Kenyan Jason Langat also with a 1:46 will round out the top 4.

Reed’s coach Wynn Grimtroski says, “Gary always enjoys running in Victoria in front of his home town crowd. This year we decided not to go to Europe early, to avoid the added fatigue and lost time in preparation because of the travel and jet lag.

He is using the International Meet along with the Jerome race Saturday, to help get ready for rounds in Beijing. His fitness is very good currently and just needs to sharpen to reach PB levels of performance, which we expect to see happen in Europe later in July.”

800m – women’s
Canadian record holder, Diane Cummins is back in town from her time spent with a training group at altitude in Missoula, Montana. Diane has been ranked as high as 5th in the world and owns a Commonwealth Games silver medal. Diane’s 800m personal best is 1:58’39. The press darling, loves running at home in Victoria, look for her to put on a good show.

1500m – men’s
Vincent Rono 3:37’96 will lead a field of internationals including Canadian, Ryan McKenzie 3:38’05. This race looks to be tight between these two. Not too far behind will follow a field primarily from Mexico and the US. Canadian varsity runner from the University of Victoria, Geoff Martinson is in the mix with his pb of 3:44’26.

1500m – women’s
Malindi Elmore will lead a field of mostly Canadians with her leading-time of 4:02’64. It appears she may not be pushed however, her favorite quote is: Sometimes doing your best is not good enough, sometimes you need to do what is required.

Perhaps spectators will get a glimpse of a performance worthy of what is required for Malindi to achieve her primary goal of making the Canadian team for the Beijing Olympics. She also likes running where it is hot, perhaps Victoria will warm up, just in time. The local forecast is trending her way!

5000m – men’s
13:11’37 to 13:56’12 is the range of the top 6 men’s 5000m contestants. Mexican, Juan Luis Barrios heads the field of contestants from Kenya, Mexico, Guatemala and local (Vancouver) speedster, Jeremiah Ziak with the aforementioned 13:56′12 on his resume. Ziak recently ran the ING Ottawa Marathon in 2:21 attempting the tough Canadian B standard, but failing in rather warm conditions.

5000m – women’s
For local spectators, Opera singer Marilyn Arsenault also a master (40 yrs) and 2008/2009 varsity runner for the University of Victoria Vikes, will be racing. Although the hometown crowd will be cheering for the popular Arsenault, the race up front will be between American, Renee Meteivier 15:15 and Mexican, Nora Rocha 15:15’78.

In addition to the above events, the trackclassic will feature the following:

Men’s and women:
Javelin
Pole Vault
100m
400m
110m hurdles

The entire and currently tentative-slash-complete start list can be viewed online here.

Women’s 110m hurdles will include Canada’s other stars of the hurdles, Angela Whyte 12.55 and fellow Canuck, Priscilla Lopes 12.72, American Ellakisha O’Kelley 12.8 and Ashley Lodree 12.99 from the US round out the field.

Men’s shot-put will be led and probably won by aptly named Canadian, Dylan Armstrong with his personal best of 20.92m.

The Victoria International Track Classic is part of the The PacifiCanada T & F Series, which include, Harry JeromeTrack Classic, the Kajaks International and the Lafarge Abbotsford International Track Classic.

Track Classic B flight events start at 4:45 pm and the main action commences after the Canadian National Anthem at 6:55 pm.

Advance Tickets available at: Island Runner Footwear (250-595-2378) located in the Fairfield Plaza - www.islandrunner.ca. Tickets also available at the Gate from 4:00 pm.