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Mo Farah back in Birmingham for indoor grand prix ahead of World Championships bid

Double Olympic champion Mo Farah is returning to Birmingham next February to step up his preparations for the World Championships in London.

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Farah, who completed the double double at the Rio Olympics in the summer, will compete at Birmingham's Müller Indoor Grand Prix next year.

The 33-year-old will be the star draw for fans attending one of the highlights of the indoor track season, where he last competed in 2015.

Farah will take to the track at Barclaycard Arena on Saturday, February, 18, in an event which he has identified as key to his preparations for the World Championships later in the year.

He said: "The Müller Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham is always a great event to be a part of, and I'm looking forward to returning to a city where I've had so much success over the years."

"The crowds in Birmingham are always fantastic to compete in front of and I have many special memories of competing here.

"The event will be a key part of my preparations as I look towards the IAAF World Championships London 2017 later in the year."

During his last appearance, Farah broke the indoor world record over two miles with a stunning run.

Tickets to see Farah and a host of other global stars at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham are now on general sale and can be purchased by visiting www.britishathletics.org.uk

The Grand Prix returns to the Midlands in February having been held in Glasgow for the first time in 2016 as the city alternates hosting the event with Birmingham up to 2020.

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive of UK Athletics said: "Mo Farah is one of Britain's biggest sporting superstars.

"It will be phenomenal to see him race again in Birmingham at the number one indoor event in the world.

"This year is very special for athletics in the UK and for all British athletes.

"The fact that Mo has selected the Muller Indoor Grand Prix as a key race in a World Championship year is significant. I think we may see something very special when he takes to take track in Birmingham on 18 February."

Birmingham will host the IAAF World Indoor Championships in March 2018.

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