Elite entry list growing for inaugural track festival in September

A series of 10km track races plus a 1500m steeplechase and a mile event are on offer at the inaugural BMC/Trafford 10,000m Track Festival on September 6.

Around 100 athletes have already signed up for the event, which is to be held at Longford Park's track and forms part of the Run Britain Grand Prix Series.

Earlier this year, organisers announced how music and special guests had been planned to help "spice up" the meeting, while spectators will also be able to get up close to the action and cheer on the athletes from lane 4.

Following on from the success of the Highgate 10km event in May, the festival aims to cater for recreational athletes through to those at elite level, with the men’s and women’s 'A' 10,000m races to be paced.

A 1500m steeplechase for both men and women will be held, with a British record attempt for the rarely-run distance not out of the question, while the mile race for men presents an opportunity for a four minute mile in the year of the 60th anniversary of Sir Roger Bannister's historical mark.

"We are pleased to have attracted a great elite entry, who have the opportunity to qualify for major championships, plus cater for runners who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to run 10k on the track," said race director Stephen Green.

"The event has attracted the interest of athletes as far afield as Sweden and we also have a large group coming from both Guernsey and Scotland."

Adding to the festival feel, there will also be a licensed bar open during the event.

Those still wishing to enter the 10,000m events should visit www.race-results.co.uk, while for mile and steeplechase entry see www.britishmilersclub.com.