'Booming' road runners get their own voice

Posted by simon on 12/2/2006 on simon's blog

British road runners are to get their own national organization by July 2008, reports Athletics Weekly.

The move is recogniton that road racing is booming in the UK, in comparison with track and field. "Applications for entries for the Flora London Marathon increased from 68,000 in 1996 to 131,000 in 2005, while about 30,000 took part in the Nike Run London 10km this year, a relatively new event, even though certain traditional events struggle to attract the numbers of yesteryear", said Athletics Weekly.

"The sport’s largest section is to benefit from being given its own organisation by July 2008

"A temporary body will launch an 18-month investigation into road running in January

"A new organisation is planned to be set up in July 2008 to cater for road running in Britain, dealing with administration, financing, participation and improving elite standards.

"In a move some will see as long overdue, UK Athletics has turned its attention to the section of the sport which contains by far the greatest number of participants.

"The wheels will be set in motion in January when a new, temporary body will be set up to launch a major investigation into road running in this country.

"One of the first tasks of The Road Running Leadership Group will be to consider the financing of the sport and review the existing levy for unattached runners and the permitting system.

"The group will also look at how road running operates, increasing participation levels and reversing the trend of declining standards at the elite end. After 18 months the group will be replaced by a permanent organisation.

"Accountable to the UKA Members’ Council, the Road Running Leadership Group will be project managed by Jack Buckner, the former European 5000m champion, and Peter Hier, race director for the Windsor Half-marathon. In contrast to track and field where participation levels are dropping at a concerning rate, road running is booming by comparison."

* Athletics Weekly, November 30 2006. www.athletics-weekly.com