Canadians set to race Continental Cup

The final major international track and field meet of the 2014 season is set to run over the weekend in Marrakech, Morocco, and five Canadians will be competing in middle distance events, representing the Americas.

The meet is the only international track and field competition where athletes represent a continent rather than their country. It is held every four years.

Charles Philibert-Thiboutot of Quebec City will race the men’s 1,500m at 4 p.m. EDT on Saturday, followed shortly after by Calgary’s Jessica O’Connell in the women’s 3,000m at 4:20. O’Connell raced for the Canadian team at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, over 5,000m.

Sunday will be Jessica Furlan and Matt Hughes race the respective women’s and men’s 3,000m steeplchase at 12:50 and 1:15 p.m. EDT. The two each hold their respective national records.

Nicole Sifuentes will race the women’s 1,500m at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Four other Canadians are also competing in field events. Derek Drouin will contest the high jump and Elizabeth Gleadle will throw javelin on Saturday. Sultana Frizell will throw hammer on Sunday and Christabel Nettey will be the final Canadian to compete, competing in the long jump.