Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic 400m champion (© Getty Images)
World and Olympic 400 metres champion Christine Ohuruogu is the latest global star to commit herself to next month's Great CityGames in Manchester, England.
Ohuruogu had no hesitation when invited to join triple Beijing sprint gold medallist Usain Bolt at the innovative event featuring men and women's 150m races in Deansgate on Sunday 17 May.
Bolt has already expressed his interest in expanding the concept of athletics by staging races outside of stadiums which always been the traditional venue for track and field athletics.
"Hopefully this event will be the start of many more similar events all over the world and inspire kids to take up athletics," said Bolt eager to be involved in the project and keen to see it establish itself.
Now Ohuruogu, although she will be at a disadvantage when challenging dedicated sprinters, is looking forward towards the Great CityGames in her build up to this summer's World Championships.
“I am excited about the concept of taking athletics and sprinting to the streets," said Ohuruogu determined to take every opportunity to prepare for the defence of her world title in Berlin this August.
Ohuruogu added: "I was delighted to get the invitation to race in Manchester and compete in this unique event. 150m is much shorter than my normal 400m distance but it will be good preparation for the outdoor season.”
Organisers have confirmed the opposition facing the Londoner who on race day will celebrate her 25th birthday, will include Bahamian Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie returning to the city where she won the Commonwealth Games 100m and 200m titles seven years ago.
"With Debbie still a force to reckon with, it's going to be a testing outing for Christine but she's determined she will do herself justice despite stepping down from the 400m," said Andy Caine the event's elite athletes manager.
Caine added: "Obviously we are planning to bring in a few other overseas competitors for both races and of course we are planning to attract the best domestic athletes to the event."
Mark Lewis-Francis the 2004 Olympic 4x100m gold medallist and Simeon Williamson, the World University Games title holder, have already committed themselves to challenging Bolt the world 100m and 200m record holder.
"The women's field is also coming together nicely and once most athletes have finalised their warm weather programmes, I'll be announcing further news," said Caine.
Tracy Effard (Nova International) for the IAAF
