Solinsky, Tegenkamp, and Lagat To Race In Melbourne

Two American record holders will be squaring off in the “Land Down Under”.

A hotly contested men’s 5000m event is expected at the Melbourne Track Classic on Thursday. The race is the opening leg of the 2011 IAAF World Challenge. Expected to compete are some of America’s best runners on the track. Bernard Lagat, fresh from his 3000m indoor victory at the U.S. Indoor Championships this weekend, arrived in the Australian city on Tuesday. At the starting line, Lagat will be joined by Chris Solinsky, Matt Tegenkamp, and Tim Nelson.

Chris Solinsky is the American record holder in the 10,000m. He recently clocked a sub-4:00 mile (3:54) at the 2011 Husky Classic.

Isaac Songok from Kenya will also race, which puts Luke Kipkosgei’s meet record of 13:11.11 in jeopardy.

Another spotlight of the meet are the middle-distance events. World record holder in the 800m, David Rushida will be be there to take on Nick Symmonds of the United States as well as Abraham Chepkirwok from Uganda.

Rushida made his expectations for the race known at last week’s John Landy Lunch: “I’ve been running fast times. But I don’t have a major title, so that is what I’m aiming for,” he said.

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