British Athletics can confirm that Thruxton Circuit and Venue, the UK’s fastest motor racing track, will host the Müller 2021 Wheelchair Marathon Thruxton Circuit on Sunday 28 March 2021.
Due to limited competition opportunities for wheelchair marathon athletes over the last year and over the next few months, this event provides a key preparation opportunity for a number of athletes based in the UK.
Entries for the World Para Athletics approved event will be by invitation only. Additionally, there will be athletes racing shorter distances than the 26.2 mile as part of this competition opportunity.
The men’s entry list includes multiple Paralympic champion David Weir (Jenny Archer; Weir Archer Academy), and 2018 Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallists, JohnBoy Smith (Christine Parsloe) and Simon Lawson (Ian Thompson; Carlisle Tri). Paralympic medallist Shelly Woods (Peter Wyman; Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde), who will be targeting a third Games later this summer, leads the women’s entry list.
Among the athletes racing fewer loops of the Thruxton circuit are multiple World Para Athletics medallist, Sammi Kinghorn (Red Star), six-time European medallist Ben Rowlings (Coventry) and World Para Athletics Junior champion Zien Zhou (Job King; Coventry).
The races get underway from midday and each loop will be 3.6km.
British Athletics continues to follow all Government advice and guidelines to ensure the safety of all those involved in delivering and competing at events currently being staged.
Para Athletics Head coach at British Athletics, Paula Dunn said:
“This is a great competition opportunity for several of our wheelchair racers who have had limited chances to race over the last year or so. A lot of hard work has gone into finding a suitable covid-19 secure venue to host this event, so thanks to all the stakeholders involved who have made this possible.”
Ben Taylor Chief Executive Thruxton Circuit and Venue, said,
“We are thrilled to be able to host this prestigious event for UK Athletics and it will be a first for the UK’s fastest circuit. The event reflects the efforts we have made to ensure that Thruxton is Covid-secure for a variety of purposes and, like many venues, our facilities have sat empty for far too long. It will be great to have competitive sport back on our track; it’s just a shame that we can’t have the spectators back too.”
