Halifax native Geoff Harris, a 2012 Olympic semi-finalist in the 800-metres, Nova Scotia 800-metres record holder, and former Canadian champion, is looking for the qualifying standard for the Pan American Games, and for the 2015 IAAF World Championships.

Harris hopes to find them at home at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 when he competes against an elite world-class field at the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic at Husky Stadium. The Aileen Meagher is the second of five stops on the 2015 National Track League circuit.

In preparation over the fall and winter Harris increased his mileage to develop the stamina needed for the level of speed and strength training that he’ll require to achieve his goal.

Preparation also included a warm weather camp in San Diego during February, and a longer camp during April in Flagstaff, Arizona; gathering spot for many of the world’s top distance runners as they make final preparations for the outdoor season.

Harris loves to compete, and he loves to perform in front of the fans at home.

“The Aileen Meagher Classic has been a staple in my career. Every year race director Kevin Heisler puts on a great meet giving me an opportunity to run fast on home soil.”

The 800-metres should be one of the most exciting events in a meet with top sprinters and middle distance runners from a dozen countries including Canada, the USA, Mexico, Nigeria, and several Caribbean nations. 

With places on their national teams for the Pan Am Games, and World Championships in mind, and also looking ahead to team places for the Olympic Games next year in Brazil, the athletes will be giving spectators in Halifax a close-up view of world-class performances.