Portable Athletics Track to launch at Princesshay in Exeter
South West Athletics Academy is pleased to announce the launch of its new portable athletics track surface. To celebrate the launch, a sprint challenge is being held at Exeter’s Princesshay on Saturday 30 March from 10am – 5pm, with all welcome to come and try out the new surface.
Sonya Ellis, Head Coach of the Award Winning Academy said, “This is an exciting new project and we’re the first in the South West to have this type of portable track. We’re really excited to be able to take the track out into the community and raise awareness of athletics. We’ll also be attending sports days and other events including indoor training sessions in the winter months.
"The track is a striking red and blue colour and looks fantastic in city centre locations. We’re really appreciative of the support from the Princesshay team in enabling us to launch the new track in the heart of Exeter. ”
This event is being supported by GB sprinter, Commonwealth Gold and Silver medallist Katherine Endacott. Katherine will be at the Sprint Challenge and hopes to encourage more young people to take up athletics.
Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Manager said, “We’re delighted to support the academy by providing a city centre venue for their new portable track. Following the success and excitement of the Olympics I’m sure lots of shoppers will enjoy testing their speed in the spring challenge!”
The aim of sprint challenge is to provide an opportunity to test your speed over a 10m or 30m distance using a high-tech speed gate system. The Academy will be looking to find the fastest runner in Exeter and also attract new people to athletics. Participants will be allowed to have multiple turns on the track receiving a certificate recording their times.
There will also be a racing wheelchair so anyone can have a go and try out the new surface.
The event starts at 10am in the main Princesshay Square outside Debenhams and we will be there until 5pm. There will also be other athletics-based activities such as speed bounce, standing long jump and balance beam. There will be small charge of £1 to try the activities to raise funds for community sports delivered by South West Athletics Academy.
