Leonora is a remote outback town which is about an hours plane flight East of Perth. It’s a truly unique event held during the WA long weekend. This event involves fireworks, markets, kids’ activities, horse racing, a live concert (by Eskimo Joe this year) and of course the street athletics races. The whole town of Leonora line the streets for the mile and really get behind every athlete.
This will be the fourth year I have competed in this event, having made the final in 2015 & 2016. I have learnt a lot seeing how athletes such as Ryan Gregson, Peter Bol and Jeff Riseley prepare for races and these experiences have made me a better athlete.
This year a few of my key sessions in the lead up to Leonora will include:
4-5 x 500m with 5-8 min recovery
The aim is to do the 500 m under 70 seconds. I try do these as relaxed as possible to teach myself to run relaxed in spite of the pace and lactic.
5-6 x 1000m with 3 min recovery
This session is usually done on a grass track. The first 800 m is done in 2:16 and the last 200 m in 30 seconds; to try to get use to the changes of pace that will occur during a race.
Video: Australia’s Richest Mile – The Leonora Golden Gift feature film
Current PBs:
- 800 m: 1:52.01
- 1500 m: 3:47.92
- Mile: 4:07.17
- 5000 m: 14:33.76
I’d like to thank Ross at RT for the opportunity.
End
From Runner’s Tribe: The men’s elite mile is full, but if you’re interested, still contact RT. There is also an open mile, a 600m and sprint races with great prize money up for grabs. The women’s elite mile still has some spots open. If you are interested in competing, we can possibly offer travel assistance. Please email ross@runnerstribe.com
