30th November 2007

Dublin Disappointment For Abyu

 

30 November 2007 

 

Tomas Abyu (Salford) has been told that his 2:10.37 time recorded at the Dublin Marathon will not be considered eligible for Olympic qualification purposes.

 

Abyu, who finished second in the October race was inside the 2:11.00 A standard qualifier, joining Dan Robinson (Stroud) who is also regarded as an A standard qualifier for his World Championship top 20 finish.

 

However, following lengthy discussions, the IAAF have advised that the mark cannot be accepted having been run on a course that had not been measured by an IAAF/AIMS approved A/B measurer.

 

Spencer Barden, UK Athletics Senior Coordinator for Endurance said: “It’s obviously very disappointing for Tomas, but we’re working closely with him to identify another opportunity between now and the end of the qualification period.

 

“We would urge athletes targeting races to aim for qualification that it is always worth keeping us informed of their plans. Dublin was not on the list of qualifying marathon courses for 2007, and it is important that athletes research the events before committing their preparations.”

 

For a list of qualifying marathon courses please visit the AIMS website.

 

For athletes needing further information please contact Spencer Barden on sbarden@ukathletics.org.uk