The ailing standards of Irish middle distance running has become the focus of a new initiative in domestic athletics, which will be officially launched in Dublin this Saturday. The Irish Milers Club (IMC), based on the well-established British version, will be dedicated to restoring the country's tradition in middle distance events.

Central to Saturday's launch of the IMC will be a coaching seminar with the theme of developing world class athletes. The speakers include major Irish middle distance figures such as Ronnie Delany and Eamonn Coghlan, and takes place at the ALSAA complex beside Dublin Airport.

Moves to develop the IMC were started by Brendan Hackett, an athletics coach and sports psychologist, who had witnessed the success of the specialist club in Britain over the past few years. The IMC will also seek to improve the knowledge and skills of coaches and encourage young athletes to progress to senior events.

"There is a need to raise the standards if Ireland is to maintain its tradition of producing top class athletes in the middle distance events," says Hackett. "The staging of fast-paced races for club members is a priority, but it's also about seminars like this Saturday to pass on knowledge to coaches and athletes."

It is worth remembering that the Irish 1,500-metre record is still held by Ray Flynn, set in 1982. Flynn has also become one of the first patrons of the club, along with Delany, Coghlan, Marcus O'Sullivan and Sonia O'Sullivan.

The IMC is open to athletes, coaches and anyone deemed to have the qualities consistent with the aims of the club. Further details can be found on the IMC website at www.irishmilersclub.com