The Aviva women’s 1500 is looking like it will be one of the races of the night this Friday. Although unfortunately Sophie O’Sullivan has withdrawn to focus on her recovery after an outstanding NCAA campaign with the world Championships looming in September, the race has star appeal written all over it.

It’s always great to welcome back a defending champion. Shannon Flockhart (GBR) not only won last year’s race but set a new Stadium record of 4.04.98 replacing Sonia O’Sullivan’s long-standing record.

The big names on the start list are Tokyo Olympic 1500 5th place finisher and Canadian record holder with a stunning 3.56.12, Gabriela DeBus-Stafford, she was also 4th in the World Indoors 3000 in 2022 and is a 5 times Canadian champion. Diane Van Es, the 3 times Dutch champion over 5000 won European 10,000 silver last season and will undoubtedly be a major contender on Friday night. Morton Games will also welcome two-time Olympian Maria Pia Fernandez from Uruguay, Paris Olympian Kate Current, the 2nd Canadian the field who ran a huge 3.5 second PB in Poland on Saturday with a 4.03.06 mark, and Lithuania's national record holder, 4.05.32 and 8 times national champion Gabija Galvydyte.

Also returning to Dublin are Eleanor Fulton (USA), an athlete with a 4.03.03 PB and Laura Nagel (NZL) who clocked a big PB in last year’s race of 4.06.31.

There is also a superb crop of up-and-coming young Irish athletes who will have the opportunity to shine, including Laura Nicholson, the Brandon AC athlete has already clocked a 4.07.17 PB, Eimear Maher who finished 2nd in the Belfast milers 1500 in May and on Sunday won the National U/23 1500 title, and Eimear McCarroll, a graduate from the 2024 Morton U/20 women’s mile.

If you haven’t already secured your ticket for Friday, it might be a good idea to do so today : https://eventmaster.ie/event/Dx4yFmAcJr