Rising track star Mitch Kealey ran to an impressive win in The University of Queensland`s 21st annual Great Court Race held on Wednesday 11 May.
The 636 meter one lap dash around UQ`s Great Court is based on the Cambridge University Race, as featured in the film Chariots of Fire.
Nineteen-year-old Kealey, who won the open men`s 1500m at the 2005 State Championships comfortably held off junior rival Robert Mewing to win in 1.29.40.
The human movement studies student now has his sights set on next year and the longstanding record of 1.26.40 set by Simon Still in 1988.
A strong finish made it a hat trick of wins for science student Daina Surka who never looked threatened in the women`s final running the second fastest time by a women in the history of the event with 1.42.26.
Surka came into the final as favourite and an extra injection of speed on the final straight was all that was needed to pull free of arts student Corinne Myles.
The open women`s record is held by Sandra Dawson who covered the distance in 1.41.68 in 1993.
A student sack race with lots of spills added a light hearted touch to the traditional event.
The fourth annual Great Court Handicapped Sprint Race ran over 70m saw UQ SPORT scholarship holder and javelin representative Joshua Robinson cause an upset to win for the second consecutive year.
Megan Sullivan ran down the field from behind to claim victory in the women`s sprint race.
Further information contact: Kelly Chapman on 3365 6041 or 0412 066 466.
.jpg)
