13th February 2013

Three Days Of Athletics Action Confirmed For London Anniversary Games

13 February 2013

British Athletics today announced that the Stadium will host three days of world-class athletics action from 26 to 28 July 2013, on the anniversary of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The London Anniversary Games will span three days of athletics, with IAAF Diamond League action on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, featuring the return of many Olympic champions, with a third day of action on the Sunday dedicated to showcasing the Paralympic champions of 2012.

As the last major international athletics event before the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, many of the world’s best athletes will use the London Anniversary Games as their final pre-championship preparation, and following hot on the heels of the IPC World Championships it will give fans the chance to welcome home their Paralympic heroes from Lyon.

Vice-President of the IAAF, Seb Coe said:

“I am delighted that the London Anniversary Games has been confirmed as three days of international athletics this July. London 2012 was an amazing year for British sport and what a way to celebrate its success by welcoming the world back to London once more to watch the biggest names in athletics.

“It is an important part of the London 2012 legacy that as many people as possible experience world class sport in the world class facilities at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and I’m sure the London Anniversary Games will go a long way to inspiring the next generation of track and field fans.”

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Chairman of the London Legacy Development Corporation said:

"We are already set to mark the anniversary of the tremendous London 2012 Opening Ceremony with the world’s finest athletes returning to compete in this great stadium this summer. Now this anniversary celebration is complete with top international Paralympians set to join the party giving us an extra day of world-class sporting action."

British Athletics Chief Executive, Niels de Vos said: 

‘For British athletics fans, for those keen to experience the stadium atmosphere, for those keen to relive the memories of 2012 this is the opportunity to see the Champions from the London Games line up alongside their challengers with a point to prove. 

“We are thrilled to have been asked by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and his team at LLDC to stage this event – what a fantastic opportunity for London, for the Stadium and for British Athletics. 

“Demand for tickets has already been huge and the three day format ensures we will give as many people as possible the chance to be in the stadium. I encourage fans to register their interest for tickets via the British Athletics website, so they don’t miss out on what is set to be an incredible three days of action this summer.”

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said:

"We’re delighted that athletes will once again get to compete in the Olympic Stadium, and that spectators will be able to see some of the world’s best para-athletes in action in a venue that holds so many amazing memories following London 2012.

"With this event taking place straight off the back of the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, athletes will be in peak form and ready to deliver performances that inspire and excite thousands of spectators."

Former Olympic 400m champion and current London 2012 silver medalist Christine Ohuruogu said:

“It’s brilliant news that the London Anniversary Games will be held over three days at the Stadium – it’s an amazing opportunity for athletics fans to see the world best athletes in action in one of the best stadiums in the world.

“The London Diamond League has always been one of my favourite meets so it’s fantastic that it’s retaining its two day format. The atmosphere in the Stadium was phenomenal last year and I’ll never forget it – it was very special for me as a local girl. I’m really looking forward to it and it’s the perfect preparation for the World Championships in August.”

Double Paralympic T34 100m and 200m Champion, Hannah Cockroft said:

“It’s fantastic to hear that there will be a para event at the London Anniversary Games, as it’s bringing the attention back to where it all began and gives us a chance to re-live the glory of last year.

“There was a massive buzz at the Games last year and I’m looking forward to recreating that again this year at the London Anniversary Games. It’s a brilliant opportunity for us, as it gives us another major event to aim for and I can’t wait to get out in front of that crowd again.”

Ticket information for the London Anniversary Games will be issued shortly but fans are being encouraged to register for tickets via www.loveathletics.uka.org.uk. Information for Crystal Palace ticket holders available here.