LONDON, 2014-4-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford and Paralympic 100m silver medallist Libby Clegg have confirmed that they will compete at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix on 11-12th July. Joining fellow Olympian Mo Farah, the announcement coincides with tickets going on sale for the 2014 Sainsbury’s Summer Series.
Rutherford, who famously leapt to gold on Super Saturday at London 2012 is excited to be returning to compete in front of a home crowd after injury ruled him out from competing at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games last year. “What a treat it’ll be to step out into Hampden Park, and again compete in front of a home crowd. We know from London what I can do with the crowd behind me and I can’t wait to get that opportunity at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix.”
Clegg, who will line-up for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games two weeks after the IAAF Diamond League visit believes that the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix will provide her the perfect platform to add to her seven global medals
Clegg said: “The Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix is really close to the Commonwealth Games, so it will be great for me to see how my preparation is going and also face a world-class line-up at Hampden.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to compete as a part of the Diamond League and it’s going to be a great occasion going out in front of a home crowd. I’m sure the Scottish crowd will create the same sort atmosphere as we had at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games last year.”
The 24 year old was joined in Glasgow today by her guide runner Mikail Huggins as the duo raced against her boyfriend, Scotland rugby 7s player Michael Maltman in a bid to find the Mo Farah lifesize cut outs dotted around the city.
Maltman, who has recently returned from Asia after winning the Bowl Final at the Hong Kong 7s then swapped positions with Clegg as he was given a guide running masterclass by Huggins at Nethercraigs Leisure Centre.
“It was an interesting experience to see how Libby runs. It was quite daunting not being able to see where I was going, but it’s given me a real insight into how much dependence she must put on Mikail during a race,” said Maltman, who is currently preparing for the Emirates Airlines 7s on May 3-4 at Scotstoun.
Huggins added: “With Michael being a burly rugby player, it was impressive how quickly he got the hand of running alongside me. However, after guiding Libby and I through some rugby drills, I don’t think there will be a career change anytime soon!”
Huggins, who starred at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match in January, is excited to return to Scotland with victory on his mind once again when he lines up with Clegg at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix.
“We tasted victory at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match earlier this year and that gave us a real taste of what to expect from the Scottish crowd this summer. Hampden is going to be electric and I’m really looking forward to putting on a show on the track.”
Tara Hewitt, Sainsbury’s Head of Sponsorship said:“We’re proud that our support means some of the world’s greatest athletes will be competing in Glasgow at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix this summer. We’ve worked hard to ensure Para-athletic integration across the two days and look forward to welcoming thousands to the first IAAF Diamond League meeting at Hampden Park.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: “The Glasgow leg of the IAAF Diamond League will be one of the sporting highlights of an incredible year in Scotland, and demand is guaranteed to be high as tickets go on sale. Scotland is the perfect stage for events and with Greg Rutherford joining fellow Olympians Mo Farah, Christine Ohuruogu, Eilidh Child and Paralympian Libby Clegg at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix, fans at Hampden are guaranteed to see some truly world-class athletics.”
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Diamond League series has long been the pinnacle of athletics competition and we’re thrilled to be hosting the event in the city for the first time. The Glasgow Grand Prix will bring the very best athletes to our National Stadium from all over the globe – and they will bring their own army of fans.
“We look forward to welcoming them all to Glasgow in what is the Year of Sport for the city. We have invested more than £200million in sporting infrastructure and can boast some of the best facilities in the world.
“We are continually strengthening our reputation as one of the world’s top sporting cities, and it’s no surprise we have been shortlisted for an honour at the 2014 Ultimate Sports City Awards.”
Tickets for the 2014 Sainsbury’s Summer Series are on sale from Thursday 10 April at www.britishathletics.org.uk
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