Records Tumble at Belfast International Classic at the Mary Peters Track

The first record of the day came during the early session when Cardiff’s men’s 4x100m relay team stormed to victory in a blistering 39.87 seconds. Their performance erased the previous track record of 40.11, which had been held by Scotland, and set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon of athletics.

The middle-distance events then took centre stage, with one of the standout performances coming in the men’s 3000m. Representing Great Britain and Shaftesbury Barnet, Henry McLuckie delivered a sensational run to break the legendary 1991 track record held by Steve Ovett. McLuckie crossed the line in an outstanding 7:43.64, taking almost two seconds off Ovett’s long-standing mark of 7:45.23.

The final record-breaking moment arrived in a thrilling women’s 1500m contest that produced one of the deepest 1500m races ever seen at the venue. In extraordinary fashion, all six of the leading athletes finished inside the previous track record, underlining the incredible quality of the field.

The new record now belongs to Melissa Courtney-Bryant of Great Britain and Poole AC, who powered home in 4:04.50. The previous mark, set by Lisa Corrigan in 2010, was lowered by more than five seconds in a remarkable display of front-running middle-distance racing.

With three Mary Peters Track records shattered in a single afternoon, the 2026 Belfast International Classic further cemented the venue’s reputation as one of the premier athletics arenas in Ireland and the UK. The historic track once again proved the perfect stage for elite performances, producing unforgettable moments that will become part of the rich sporting legacy of the Mary Peters Track for years to come.

For more Mary Peters Track competition oppurtunities, please see  here

To enter the 2026 NI & Ulster Senior T&F Championships, being held on the 13th June 2026, please see here