Golden boy Farah looking forward to the Palace (From Kingston Guardian)

Golden boy Farah looking forward to the Palace

7:40am Saturday 31st July 2010

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athletics (add 1)/July 27th European 5,000m champion Mo Farah is set for a head-to-head with Bernard Lagat over 3,000m at next month’s Aviva London Grand Prix.

World champion Lagat will arrive at Crystal Palace as the man to beat after adding the 3,000m world indoor title at Doha in March to the 1,500m and 5,000m outdoor world titles he claimed in Osaka in 2007.

“I am very much looking forward to running again at Crystal Palace,” said the American Lagat.

“I have been fortunate to run there many times and have won over 1,500m, the mile and 5,000m.

“I am particularly looking forward to running against Mo Farah.

“My own form has been pretty good this year.

“After winning the World Indoors at 3,000m in March I broke the US record for 5000 metres at the end of May.

“I just ran 1,500m in 3:32.51 in Monaco in a really strong and competitive race.

“This is pretty good for me and indicates I’m likely to be in good shape for the 3000 distance.

“That’s what still motivates me; being fit and ready to give my best against other strong athletes. I know Mo and others will make the race tough and I look forward to the challenge.”

Farah is also looking forward to the challenge awaiting him at the Aviva London Grand Prix.

“Lagat is one of the best athletes in the world,” he said.

“He has won a lot of medals and, this year, he beat everybody at the Indoor World Championships over this distance.

“I love competing againt the best and it will be a great race for the spectators.”

“It is always a privilege to compete at Crystal Palace. The atmosphere there is unbelievable and, as a Londoner myself, it is a great feeling to run at home.”

Tickets are £20 (concessions £15) - call 08000 556056 or visit www.uka.org.uk The action will also be shown live on BBC1.

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