Laura back at 3:55 to win in Brussels; Eloise second in 5k Champs

Saturday 9th September 2023

Photo by Dan Vernon Photo for World Athletics

Laura Muir surged to a superb Diamond League win in Brussels with the third fastest 1500m run of her career.

The Scot, who won over 800m in Zurich last week, came up with Season Best performance of 3:55.34 to defeat a classy field in Belgium.

Irish athlete Ciara Mageean, who was ahead of Laura in the World Champs final, had to settle for second this time with an Irish National Record a significant consolation at 3:55.87.

Laura for her part has only once been sub 3:55 over 1500m with her British Record 3:54.50 set two years ago at the Olympics in Tokyo.

‘I knew I was in good shape after last week (over the 800m) so I am really happy with that,’ said Laura.

‘I wanted the win and the fast time to go alongside that is good, too.

‘Ciara is very strong and has come past on the last 100m a couple of times recnetly so while I could not actually see her, I knew she was right there. I had to make sure I kept pushing on for the line to stay ahead.

‘I will focus now fully on the Women’s 1500m Diamond League final in Eugene knowing I am in good shape.’

+++

Andy Butchart took to the track in Belgium only a few days after posting a new half marathon PB in London.

The pace was hot and so were the conditions in the stadium and the Central AC athlete duly came home in sixth place in 28:11.60.

That’s a bit outside his SB of 27:47 with Butchart admitting his focus is now effectively on road running. He has also accepted a late invitation to race on Sunday in the Great North Run.

‘It’s a quick turnaround but too good an opportunity to miss,’ said Andy.

‘The legs don’t feel too bad and I’ve not run super quickly in Brussels to hopefully there is still a bit of a spring in my step come Sunday.’

In the Women’s Wheelchair 100m, Melanie Woods entered the Diamond League arena again and came home in fourth place. Mel pushed 17.27 seconds on the night.

+++

Eloise Walker took a silver medal in the British 5k Road Champs in Newcastle.

Eloise clocked 15:34 to get inside the qualifying time for the World Athletics Road Running Champs – although the Edinburgh AC athlete is now expected to take break.

Verity Ockenden won the race in 15:26 and there was a fourth place finish for Mhairi Maclennan at 16:17. Kirsty Walker completed the Scottish cohort in eighth place with 17:04.

+++

Tags: Andy Butchart, Brussels, Diamond League, Eloise Walker, Laura Muir