Leaders Aouita and Slaney Head Field in Final Rome Grand Prix Track Meet

Ailing Said Aouita of Morocco, who announced Friday that he will enter the 1,500 meters, and Mary Decker Slaney head a strong field of track and field athletes in today’s finals of the Mobil Grand Prix.

Slaney, 27, leads the women’s standings with 51 points going into today’s 16-event final at Olympic Stadium.

Aouita, who pulled a hamstring muscle last Wednesday, leads the men’s standings with 55 points after 15 meets.

Aouita, holder of world records in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, said: “I will definitely run the 1,500 meters. It is obvious I do not plan to break any records. It is great that I could make a comeback so soon, and I need to win to keep the lead in the Grand Prix standings.”

The leaders of the men’s and women’s final standings each win $25,000. Another $10,000 goes to anyone who breaks a world mark.

Slaney, undefeated in 12 Grand Prix races this year with one world record and five American records, is entered in the 3,000.

The starting field includes Zola Budd of Great Britain, who earlier this year broke the world 5,000-meter mark, and veteran Maricica Puica, 35, of Romania, last summer’s Olympic gold medalist.

Slaney, who has beaten both women this year, said: “I feel great. I am sure it will be a thrilling race, with a strong pace and an excellent time.

“But I want to win it. It is like an Olympic final, and I won’t let it go.”