Athletics: Mo Farah to run at indoor Grand Prix

By JO ATKINSON
Published on 18/01/2013 01:23

Double Olympic champion Mo Farah has confirmed his participation in the 3,000 metres at next month’s British Athletics Grand Prix in Birmingham – his only indoor race of the year.

The 29-year-old, a 5,000m and 10,000m gold medallist at London 2012, has entered the 16 February event at the Birmingham Indoor Arena. Farah set a British record of 8:08:07 when he came second in the event last year.

“I always love running in Birmingham and have fond memories of celebrating my Olympic success with the British fans at Alexander Stadium last August,” he said. “I always run well at the NIA. I won this meet in 2007, 2009 and 2011 and that’s what I’ll be aiming to do next month at the British Athletics Grand Prix.”

Farah’s main aim this year is the defence of his world 5,000m title in Moscow and he believes his Birmingham run will be perfect preparation. “I’ve had a good winter training block and the British Athletics Grand Prix will be the first time that I compete this year, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the track in front of a home crowd,” he said.

Other Olympians competing in Birmingham are high jumper Robbie Grabarz, pole vaulter Holly Bleasdale, sprinter Perri Shakes-Drayton and long jumper Shara Proctor.