Athletics Australia has moved its 3000m events just three weeks out from the national championships in Sydney, saying it was done to give athletes competing in multiple races more time to prepare and recover.
AA said the 3000m races will now be run separately on April 29 at Box Hill Athletic Club in Melbourne, as opposed to being run in Sydney two weeks earlier.
The decision will give middle-distance athletes more time to prepare for multiple races and allow ample recovery time for those aiming to compete in the 1500m or 3000m Steeplechase events, said AA.
President Mark Arbib acknowledged the rescheduling could disrupt travel plans for athletes and coaches, but said it was AA's responsibility to put the wellbeing of athletes first.
"A decision to move events out of the 2021 Australian Track & Field Championships just weeks before they are set to begin does not come lightly, however after much deliberation with athletes and coaches, we believe this is the right thing to do," Arbib said.
"We wish all athletes and coaches the very best in these final weeks leading up to the Australian Track and Field Championships and look forward to seeing our 3000m middle distance runners compete late next month in Melbourne."
Athletics Australia will be welcoming entries from athletes that have previously run sub 8:20.0 (men) and sub 9:40.0 (women).
