Improving his personal best is the goal for Sam Ruthe when he lines up with Sam Tanner in the 800 metres at the Potts Classic in Hastings tonight

The 16 year old clocked a new national under 20 record of 1 minute 46.81 seconds in his last two lap race in December.

Ruthe is coming off an age group world record over 1000 metres - which was just 1.2 seconds shy of John Walker's senior mark set in 1980.

He says context is needed when his times are being compared to some of our middle distance greats.



The 800 metre race is set to start at 7.25pm.