Athletics. The purest sport. I fell in love with the sport at a young age and there is nothing better than watching it live. Watching racing on the track has everything. There are surprises, twists and turns and anything can happen. Here I pick out 5 must see races this year, hope to see some of you there!
1. 20th February. The British Indoor Grand Prix. Glasgow.
When I started watching Athletics I was lucky enough to go and see Haile breaking the world record at the Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham. The atmosphere was electric! Indoor athletics is different as the closed roof means much more noise from both the crowd and the speakers! This year British Stars Mo Farah, Jess Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford will be competing - so if you can't make it there switch on the BBC to watch it.
2. 20th May. The Great City Games. Manchester.
The Great CityGames Manchester provides a unique opportunity to see top athletes from across the globe compete in an urban environment. The event takes place on the Great CityGames track on Deansgate in the heart of the city, and at the purpose built athletics arena in Albert Square.
The event is part of a great weekend of sport in Manchester, built around the Morrisons Great Manchester Run, Europe’s biggest 10k.
Again if you can't make this event you will be able to watch it on the BBC.
3. 21st May 2016. Night of 10km PBS. Highgate, London.
Want to see real Grassroots track racing at its finest. Head down to Highgate for this evening of incredible racing. You can be closer to the action than ever before - even standing in the outside lanes as the runners whizz past for each of their 25 laps. This year it will also be the Olympic Trials for the 10km - so get behind some of our finest Team GB athletes!
Race organiser Ben Pochee says "Our initial goal when creating this volunteer event was to provide a trusted annual platform for aspiring 10,000m runners to race each other towards significantly faster PB times. And last year whilst Jo Pavey & Andy Vernon stole the show, athletes like Rhona Auckland and Matty Hynes achieved GB vest winning breakthrough runs."
4. June. The Watford BMC Grand Prix. Watford.
The BMC (British Milers Club) is an institution amongst Middle Distance Runners in Britain and beyond. Record holders include Lord Sebastian Coe, Jack Buckner and David Moorcroft. Their website reads:
Through its racing program, training courses and coaching articles we aim to improve the world standing of UK Middle Distance running. The club works in close partnership with British Athletics in the organisation of its fixtures
The June race (Date TBC) is held in Watford and is always one of the best nights in the British Track Calendar. See stars of present and future fly past you at unbelievable speeds, blink and you'll miss them!
5. 22nd/23rd July. The London Anniversary Games. Olympic Stadium, London.
London 2012. Was there a better time for Athletics in the UK? Super Saturday saw Team GB get 3 Gold Medals. In July witness some of the best athletes in the world come back to the Olympic Stadium for another spectacular show. The main man, Usain Bolt, is confirmed in the line up as well as numerous other Olympic Champions and World Record Holders.
Put it in the diary now. If you can't get tickets don't plan anything as you'll be on the sofa for 2 days watching it!
I can't wait for a great year of Athletics in the UK. See you there,
Richard Edmonds
Co-Founder
Runderwear™
