City set for the big dash

Organisers behind this year's Festival Dash in Lichfield are making final preparations ahead of the Chariots of Fire style race next week.

The 9th Festival Dash, will be staged on July 14 in the grounds of the cathedral.

The event has been organised by Sport 1st and Evolve Fitness at the Friary Grange Leisure Centre. And it is set to be the best dash yet.

Four-time Dash winner Steve Blagdon has already confirmed his attendance, and it is hoped James Thie, the winner in 2003, will make it on the day for a Clash of the Titans race to the title. Local lad James Trollop of Birchfield Harriers will also be a challenger.

One of the UK's leading female athletes over 800m, Celia Brown of Rugby and Northampton Athletics Club, is also taking part in the Dash.

Kevin Wilson, of Sport 1st, is predicting a potential surprise ahead of the big day.

"There is always one or two athletes who contact me just before the race and I am keeping two wild card slots open for anyone who thinks they can hack it against top flight athletes.

"The field for the Florette Festival Junior Dash for U13 and U15 athletes locally is also coming together with the U13 boys and girls race looking very competitive."

Phil Kelly, centre manager for Evolve Fitness, added: "We are really proud to be sponsoring this year's Festival Dash."

Visitors on the day will also be able to take part in numerous sporting activities in The Close before the Junior Dash at 11am, and the Festival Dash at 12noon.