07 August

Newly crowned 10,000m Olympic Champion Mo Farah has confirmed that he will run in the 2 mile race at the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix on 26th August.

Farah became the first British athlete to win Olympic gold in the 10,000m, and will be looking to repeat the same feat in the 5000m, with the final taking place on Saturday.

“I can’t believe it. I’ve never experienced something like this. It doesn’t come round often to have this on your door step and the amount of people supporting me, shouting out your name – it’s never going to get better. This is the best moment of my life,” Farah told the BBC. 

The 29 year old crossed the line to the roar of the capacity crowd and believes that the support he has received on his way to becoming Olympic Champion has been invaluable.

“I’ve had great support from the crowd. I want to thank everyone who has supported me from my childhood and until now. Without all those people, this wouldn’t have happened. I have got to enjoy this moment.

“It’s something I have worked so hard for. 120 miles week in week out, what you put in to it is what you get out.”
Farah has enjoyed a strong outdoor season so far in which he remains unbeaten in eight races, including impressive victories at the Eugene Samsung Diamond League, the Aviva London Grand Prix last month and his victory at the Olympic Stadium.

Having received a standing ovation as he ran to victory and smashed the 5,000m Stadium Record by 16 seconds at last year’s Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix, Farah will be looking for a repeat performance as he lines up against some of the world’s best athletes.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix at the end of August. It was a special atmosphere there last year and another victory would be great.

“It’s a big year for athletics in the UK. The crowd has really got behind me on home soil in 2012, and I’m sure they’ll be in high spirits to cheer on the returning Olympic contingent in Birmingham.”  

Back the team and watch the world’s best athletes in action at the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium on 26 August. For tickets, visit www.uka.org.uk/aviva-series or call 08000 55 60 56.