New Athletics Track for Future Stars

New athletics track for future stars.

Olympic legacy is up and running in Brighton & Hove as the new athletics track at Withdean Sports Complex opens later this month.

To celebrate a Community Sports Day is being held on Saturday 26^th October with ex Withdean track user and local Olympian Sally Gunnell in attendance. The event starts at 1pm and includes fun runs for all ages and chance to come and try out the new track. There will also be taster sessions for field events run by coaches from the athletics clubs.

The brand new state of the art track and electronic timing system is designed to cater for national standard events as well as home to three local clubs.

The new track has been funded by Brighton & Hove City Council together with Olympic legacy funding from Sport England. The total project cost is £350,000 with Sport England providing funding of £150,000.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden said; “I am immensely proud that the running track at Withdean stadium is now complete and I’m sure this will be a track upon which to watch future stars train, it also shows our commitment to the future of local athletics.”

Paul Collicutt from Phoenix Athletics club said; " Three cheers Brighton & Hove Council for their support of athletics. This is exactly what the sport and local athletes need in this City. I know that Steve Ovett is delighted that his old track has been updated and improved. "

Background

Around 600 people use the track every week including local sports clubs, schools, independent coaches and council sports initiatives.

The track is operated on behalf of the council by Freedom Leisure who run Withdean Athletics academy ages 5-12 and quad kids weekly sessions

New track since it was originally laid in 1980 with an Olymprene all weather surface.

Withdean Stadium originally opened as a sports arena in 1955 having previously been a lawn tennis centre and even a zoo.

Editors notes

Opening event – Community Sports Day on 26^th October 1pm consisting of fun runs for all ages and chance to come and try out the new track. There will also be taster sessions for field events run by coaches from the athletics clubs.