IAAF World Challenge Meeting in Rieti Canceled for Second Straight Year

By Adam Kopet

Rieti, Italy, has made a name for itself in the track and field world for fast races at the end of the season. However, according to SuperSport, the meet has been canceled for the second straight year.

Last year, the Rieti meet, part of the IAAF World Challenge series, was canceled after a deadly earthquake struck central Italy, the same region where Rieti is located.

This year, the meet has reportedly suffered from sponsors withdrawing support. The lack of financial support led to the decision to cancel the meet again.

In the past 10 years, two world records have been set in Rieti. David Rudisha ran 1:41.01 for 800 meters at the 2010 meeting, his second of three world records at that distance.

Asafa Powell also ran a world record in the 100 in 2007. His time of 9.74 was first eclipsed by Usain Bolt, who ran 9.72 in May of 2008.

It is unclear if the meet will be able to reboot in the future.