Chasing a dream

The race is on to find the fastest young runner in Manchester.

Olympic gold medallists Linford Christie and Darren Campbell will be visiting Cheetham next week to try and spot the athletic stars of the future.

As part of the national Street Athletic events that began in Manchester in 2005, a series of events will be held on city estates across the country looking for talented amateur sprinters.

Street Athletics is the brainchild of both Linford Christie and Darren Campbell and is hosted in Manchester with the partnership and support of the City Council.

Manchester will be holding seven heats throughout the city, as well as both the Manchester Final in Albert Square on 25 September and the National Final, also in Albert Square, on 26 September.

The events are free and young people can just turn up on the day and take part in a race.

The events are open to both boys and girls and are split into heats featuring Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17s and Under 20s. The top three from each heat at each of the seven venues then go to the Manchester Final to compete against each other.

The top three from the Manchester Final then progress to the Grand Final where they will race against the winners from across the country in a bid to be crowned the fastest amateur runner in the country.

Darren Campbell, who grew up in Moss Side, says: "Athletics has shown me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Street Athletics gives young people the opportunity to test themselves while having lots of fun. In my eyes, everyone who takes part this year will have taken that first step to achieving their dream."

The overall winner will walk away with a bumper supply of athletic kit from Nike, a year's free athletic sessions and a once in a lifetime opportunity to receive mentoring and training advice from both Linford Christie and Darren Campbell.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Culture and Leisure says: "Street Athletics started in Manchester four years ago and has gone from strength to strength, evolving into a hugely popular national event. It gives young people the opportunity to get involved in athletics and shows them what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Darren and Linford are inspirations to many young people and so we are delighted they are attending our Cheetham event."

Manchester's Street Athletic events are part of the city council's year long 'Proud Of Manchester' campaign which encourages residents to take pride in themselves and their community.