Youngsters urged to emulate Usain

Young whippersnappers across Swansea are being urged to emulate Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt and get their trainers on later this month.

The sprinter has set the sport of running alight with his performances in the World Athletics Championships this summer and now organisers of the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k are laying down the gauntlet to local talent aged 20 and under who may have been inspired by his superhuman exploits.

Places for the 10k race are now full but slots are still available for the 1k, 3k and 5k events happening on Sunday September 27.

The 5k race is for 15 to 20-year-olds, the 3k race is for nine to 14-year-olds and the 1k race is for children aged 11 and under.

Organisers say places are filling up fast and they're pressing all interested children and parents to get their forms in quickly to avoid disappointment.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The achievements of the charismatic Usain Bolt in the sprint events over the last two years are an inspiration to any aspiring athlete in Swansea and beyond.

"We hope as many young people as possible will have been encouraged to don a pair of trainers and compete in one of the several races taking place as part of the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k event thanks to his extraordinary performances.

"Junior places are now filling up quickly as we rapidly approach the big day so my advice to any young person keen on having a go is to get their forms in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."

The races are just as open to young people who'd simply like to raise money for charity or to have a bit of fun as they are to those looking for intense competition.

A mascot race featuring the likes of Rocky the Road Safety Rooster and Active Arnie will also take place on the day.

Paper entries for each junior race are available at community leisure centres across Swansea.

People can also visit www.swanseabay10k.com to download a copy of the application form.

Junior entries on the day will only be allowed if there are any spaces left.

The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k is kindly being supported by Admiral, Swansea Council's Road Safety department, Mizuno, Moti, Active Swansea and Days.