17 July 2014

Work is underway laying 1600 square metres of athletics track on Horse Guards Parade, St James Park in the centre of London for the first time ready for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games on Sunday 20th July.

The majority of the track being used to create the intimate arena in which the world’s best sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers and throwers will compete on Sunday is part of the actual Gold medal track from the London 2012 Stadium.

Creating the unique arena for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games includes:

•       1600 square metres of Mondo track is being laid, most of it reclaimed from the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

•       The track is being installed on 76 staging panels using two 80 tonne cranes

•       27 tonnes of sand is being brought in to create the Shot and Long Jump areas

•       The build programme has been planned around 5 Changing of the Guards

•       Workers are putting in 3,000 hours to create the arena in just 72 hours

•       More than 4,000 metres of barriers will be used at Horse Guards Parade and for the distance races along The Mall

UK Athletics Chief Executive Niels de Vos said: “To stage an event in Horse Guards Parade is logistical challenge but it will be well worth the effort. It is going to be one of the iconic events in London this summer.

“The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games involves two ticketed sessions in Horse Guards Parade where people will be able to see the world’s best athletes in an iconic setting – up close and personal. The public can also cheer on the elite road races on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace, without a ticket, that will feature top distance runners and wheelchair athletes including David Weir.

“Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jonnie Peacock and Hannah Cockroft are all competing and I believe it will be a unique and memorable occasion.”

The 2014 Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games will feature a host of Olympic and world champions competing on a purpose built arena on Horse Guards Parade in afternoon (13.00-15.00) and evening (18.00-20.00) sessions on Sunday 20 July. The free to watch distance races take place on a 2 mile circuit on the sweeping boulevard between Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch (15.00-18.00).

To buy tickets for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games at Horse Guards Parade Ground on Sunday 20 July click here