main content Head start for next generation of athletes

The athletics track at Norman Park will soon be able to host regional finals as work has started to expand the running track from 6 to 8 lanes. The track is home to Blackheath and Bromley Harriers Athletics Club, one of the leading athletics clubs in the country. The £220,000 investment will expand the lanes at the 400 metre track for the hundreds of runners who train at the track on a weekly basis.

“This track is well used by athletes of all ages and abilities. We are thrilled to be able to upgrade these facilities to enable our athletes to compete with the very best from across the country. Athletics is a good way of keeping fit - these improvements can only help this happen” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment and Lesiure.

The £220,000 works will be carried out using £100,000 of funding from the London Marathon Trust. The project is being supported by Blackheath and Bromley Harriers Athletics Club who regularly use the track and the contractors that manage it - Norman Park Track Management. Both organisations have contributed £5,000 each towards the overall project cost.

The track is closed for training purposes until the estimated 12 weeks project is complete. This has to be undertaken in the summer months as the laying of the track surface and line marking requires warmer weather.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• A grant application in December 2005 to the London Marathon Trust secured £100,000 of funding towards the improvements. 
• Information about Blackheath and Bromley Harriers Athletics Club is available at their website www.bandbhac.org.uk 
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or John Gledhill, Leisure Client Unit Manager, on 020 8461 7527 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk