Darren Clark and Mike Hurst 'tribute to past athletes and coaches' Mens 400m

Organisers asked John Steffensen who he respects the most in his sport and that is who the men's 400m would be named after. John  wanted to honour Darren Clark and event organisers wanted to acknowledge past athletes and coaches. There isn't many better coach /athlete teams worth recognising, this team of Mike and Darren was incredible and Darren's results speak for themselves for him as an individual athlete and them as a team, his national record of 44.38 sec still stands some 22 years on and his old coach Mike is still commiting himself to the sport as a coaching mentor and an international athletics writer, the value in a good team in helping an athlete achieve his/her dream is priceless and we not only want to acknowledge Mike but use this opportunity to acknowledge and give respect to all coaches past and present.

John is not running in this race but is very supportive of the young field of future champions and said “Darren  was for so long the shining light of Australian athletics,” he said. “And as it’s always been my desire to promote athletics for the wonderful sport it is I’m happy to think this event might inspire a young runner to fulfil their dreams.”