Farah to make Brit Grand Prix his only indoor race of 2013

Great Britain's Mo Farah reacts after winning the 5,000m at the London Olympics. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA

Thursday, January 17, 2013
1:17 PM

Double Olympic champion Mo Farah has confirmed his participation in the 3,000 metres at next month’s British Athletics Grand Prix in Birmingham - his only indoor race of the year.

The 29-year-old, a 5,000m and 10,000m gold medalist at London 2012, this morning entered the February 16 event at the Birmingham Indoor Arena.

The Londoner set a British record of 8:08:07 when he came second in the same event last year and he is looking forward to performing in front of his home crowd.

“I always love running in Birmingham and have fond memories of celebrating my Olympic success with the British fans at Alexander Stadium last August,” he said.

“I always run well at the NIA. I won this meet in 2007, 2009 and 2011 and that’s what I’ll be aiming to do for next month at the British Athletics Grand Prix.”

Farah’s main aim this year is the defence of his world 5,000m title in Moscow and he believes that his Birmingham run will be perfect preparation.

“The big focus this year is the World Championships in Moscow. I’ve had a good winter training block and the British Athletics Grand Prix will be the first time that I compete this year, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the track in front of a home crowd,” he said.

Other Olympians from the capital to be competing in Birmingham are high jumper Robbie Grabarz and sprinter Perri Shakes-Drayton.