Get running with street athletics

Street Athletics are returning to Folkestone on Sunday 5 July giving keen young athletes the chance to sprint to victory under the watchful eye of Olympic gold medalists.

Linford Christie and Darren Campbell are inviting youngsters between the ages of seven and 20 to compete in 60 metre sprints with the top boy and girl from various age groups going forward to the national finals in Manchester in September.

The Street Athletics Challenge is being held at Lidl's car park in Haven Drive, Hawkinge. Races start at 2.00pm and young people from across the district are invited to register from 1.00pm.

Shepway Council's sport development officer, Wilbert Greaves, himself a former Olympic hurdler, managed to persuade the organisers, Nuff Respect, to bring Street Athletics to Shepway for the first time two years ago.

"It's great that Street Athletics are coming back to Shepway. Everyone had such a fantastic time last year", he said.

Linford Christie said Street Athletics is an amazing project. "It's now in its fifth year and we have seen thousands of young people taking part in races across the country. For us it began on the streets, challenging kids from other estates to race against each other. We're hugely excited about returning to Folkestone with street athletics 2009 in an attempt to seek out the best raw talent this country has to offer".

Street Athletics is taking place thanks to sponsorship from Nike, other supporters include Sony, Gaz De France and Sport England. The Folkestone event is being supported by Shepway District Council.

Cllr Carole Waters, Shepway Council's Cabinet Member for Sport and Culture said it was wonderful Shepway had been included in the Street Athletics programme.

"I am delighted that Linford and Darren are bringing Street Athletics back to Shepway. It is a great opportunity for boys and girls to come along and show their running talents. I would urge all young people to come along and join the fun."

As well as providing the venue, Lidl is given every participant a free goodie bag. The youngsters will also get a street athletics t-shirt.