The final preparations are taking place for the Techstep Lichfield Cathedral Dash.
The event on July 17 will see racers darting around the building in a race inspired by the sprint around The Quadrangle at Trinity College, Cambridge, which featured in the Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire.
The Dash is a 430 metre sprint around the Cathedral Close within the 58 seconds it takes for the noon bells to chime.
A spokesperson for the event explained:
“It is a challenge of speed and ability, and of those who have taken part less than 30 have actually achieved a sub-58 second time.”
The Dash will be the culmination of a morning of sporting activity around the Cathedral. This year there will be various junior races and the first ever Business Baton relay. A Chariots of Fire costumed sprint will also be staged during the morning.
Local dance groups Bojangles and the Fusion Dance School will also be making special appearances just after 11am, while members of Lichfield Friary Tennis Club will be promoting Street Tennis as well as showcasing their talents.
And all of the events will be leading up othe main event where invited athletes will compete to beat the chimes.
Competitors this year inclue 2009 runner-up Harry Jones of Cardiff AC, Birchfield Harriers’ James Whitehouse who controversially came 3rd in 2008 when he fell in the rain on the final bend and the eventual winner of that race James Trollop. Amy Frith of Tamworth AC will be the first female athlete in the race since the inaugural event in 1998. The 2009 Junior Dash winner Ashley Wickett of Cannock and Stafford AC has also been invited to race in the dash.
For more information on the event and the full programme of races call KP Events on 07947698147 or visit www.kpevents.net.
