The womens 800m at the 70th Cork City Sports should be a very interesting tactical race with eight athletes who have a season best between 1.59.. and 2.01.00. The local favourite, and former Irish record holder, Louise Shanahan, had a slow start to the season but has recently started to show some form, running 2.01.98 in Finland, and is hoping for a strong finish to the season. The other Irish interest in the race will be Georgie Hartigan.

 

 

Her primary threat will come from Alexandra Bell who has run 1.59.55 earlier in the year. Alex is one of several British athletes with strong times this year including Abigail Ives. 

 

Also in the field will be Samantha Watson USA who has narrowly missed making the final of the US trials, finishing third in her heat with only two going through to the final. Another American McKenna Keegan also narrowly missed out on the final in a stacked field with the fastest qualifier Athing Mu running 1.58.84. 

 

Another athlete that will certainly feature will be Charné Swart RSA. The South African ran 2.00.34 only a week ago.

 

This race is one to watch.