Championships to be held behind closed doors

LOUGHBOROUGH athletes have a new target to aim for after it was confirmed the Müller British Athletics Championships will take place on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, with events to be held behind closed doors at the Manchester Regional Arena.

The format and shape of the competition and guidelines that will be adhered to for competitors and those helping to stage the championship will be subject to the government guidelines in place and will be communicated in due course.

The championships will be broadcast live on Friday night on BBC2, from 6.30pm-9pm and Saturday, afternoon on BBC1, from 1.15pm-4.30pm.

Joanna Coates, CEO of UK Athletics said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our athletes an opportunity to compete and still become British Champions at the end of the summer in what has been the most unprecedented of circumstances for all sport.

“People will be aware of my passion for women’s sport and I am grateful that the gender mix in athletics means everyone gets to return to the field of play. However, for those sports where men and women compete in separate structures, I urge those organisations to ensure efforts getting women’s sports back up and running are championed with the same passion and sense of urgency.

“Thanks to the BBC for supporting us to showcase our sport under the Friday evening lights, and also to Manchester City Council for their investment into the facility and working with us to confirm we could stage this event in such challenging times.

“We are sorry we cannot host our brilliant athletics supporters this year but hope for a healthy return for fans at sports events next year and to welcoming spectators to next year’s Olympic trials on June 26-27.”