Cian McPhillips returns to action tomorrow evening for his second outdoor race of the season when the Irish 800 metres record holder lines up at the Gyulai István Memorial in Budapest, one of the final World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meetings of the year.
The Longford athlete made his long awaited return to competition at the FBK Games in Hengelo last month, clocking 1:44.89 to finish fifth after a strong closing sprint in his first outdoor race since his breakthrough performances at last year's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
McPhillips has endured a disrupted 2026 campaign after dental issues curtailed his indoor season before a knee injury delayed his outdoor return. His appearance in Budapest marks another important step as he continues to build fitness ahead of next month's European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Standing in McPhillips' way is one of the strongest fields he has faced this season. The line up is headed by Djamel Sedjati, the Olympic bronze medallist and two time World Championship silver medallist, who is set to make his first 800m appearance of the season after opening his campaign over 1000m in Monaco. Also on the start line is Kenyan Laban Kipkorir Chepkwony, the 2025 Gyulai István Memorial champion and one of the fastest 800m runners in the world over the past two seasons. Together, they ensure another high quality test for the Irish record holder as he continues his build up towards next month's European Athletics Championships.
The Gyulai István Memorial has earned a reputation as one of the premier one day meetings on the international calendar, regularly attracting Olympic and world champions across the programme.
Also in action for Ireland is Nick Griggs, who contests the men's 3,000 metres. The Tyrone athlete, the current Irish indoor 3,000m record holder, reigning European Under 23 cross country champion and European Under 23 5,000m silver medallist, will use the race as part of his preparations for the Commonwealth Games later this month, where he is set to contest the 5,000m.
