Athletics

Last updated 11:34, Thursday, 01 May 2008

CUMBRIA’S top young athletes are set to put their skills to the test against the best of their rivals from the north of England and south of Scotland.

Cumbria Athletics Association will stage its most prestigious meeting ever at the Sheepmount Stadium in Carlisle, a six-county match between Dumfries and Galloway, Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley, Tyne and Wear and Cumbria.

The match, on Saturday, September 13, will provide a climax to the 2008 season for our most talented young athletes in the under-15 and under-17 age groups.

In addition there will be invitation events for under 20s and seniors enabling the public to see the very best athletes from the north of England and southern Scotland in action.

The organising committee want the meeting to become an annual end of summer bonanza staged in turn by each of the counties.

Only one competitor from each county will compete in each event thus making competition for places very tough.

The events (for both men and women) are: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m (U17), sprint hurdles, 300m hurdles (U17), high jump, long jump, triple jump (U17), shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, 4 x 100m relay plus invitation events.

“Quality competition is at a premium for many athletes in each of these counties most of whom have to travel long distances in order to obtain it,” said spokesman Tony Ward.

“Bringing the best in each of the six counties together, with travelling time greatly reduced, should provide a huge incentive to our young talent and enable them to aspire to greater things.

“We hope to obtain sponsorship to allow us to make this a meting to remember for both athletes and the public.”