Purdue guarantees spot in marathon at Paris ‘24

ALDERSHOT, Farnham & District Athletics Club’s Charlotte Purdue will be going to the Olympic Games.

Purdue, along with Calli HaugerThackery and Phil Sesemann, have been announced by the British Olympic Association as the first three marathon runners selected for the athletics team at Paris 2024.

After running inside the qualification standard [2:08:04] at the Seville marathon last month, Sesemann has been selected for the men’s race, while Purdue and Hauger-Thackery have earned their place in the women’s race after both running a time of 2:22:17 in separate marathons at the end of 2023.

All three athletes are set to compete at their first Olympic Games having represented their country at global and continental Championships previously.

The athletes are among the first members of the Team GB athletics squad to be announced. As per selection policy, any athlete who has planned to compete in a marathon after February 19 will only be considered for selection in round three on April 22.

Team GB’s chef de mission, Mark England, said: “It is great to welcome Charlotte, Calli and Phil to Team GB for Paris 2024. All three athletes are making their Olympic debuts, and I am sure they will relish the opportunity to run the unique and historic route that has been set by the organising committee.”

Olympic head coach at UK Athletics, Paula Dunn, said: “We are delighted to confirm the first three athletes in the athletics squad for Paris 2024. All three athletes have produced excellent results to earn selection for the Olympic Games, so congratulations to the athletes, their coaches and support networks.

“The focus is now on supporting their preparations and continuing to engage with them to add the most value, so they are in the best position for their marathons this summer.”