9 December 2010

Eight cities will battle it out over two matches for the coveted McCain City Challenge Trophy as the UK’s biggest and best domestic indoor athletics team series returns with a bang in 2011.

The competition kicks off with the first match on Sunday 6^th February at the EIS, Sheffield, and concludes with the second match on Saturday 26^th February at NIAC (UWIC), Cardiff.

Men’s and women’s points from both matches will be combined, with the McCain City Challenge Trophy awarded to the City team with the highest overall score from the unique and incentivised scoring system. This year a prize money pot totalling approximately £30,000 will be on offer.

New to 2011, an innovative ‘Tournament Shot’ initiative will be included for the first time, where the competition format will be man versus man as opposed to the traditional style.

The McCain City Challenge provides a range of athletes with quality competition as City teams from Glasgow Cobras to London South Sharks battle it out for the coveted winner’s trophy.

Louise Bloor was the star of the show in 2010 as she led Sheffield Flames to a successful defence of their McCain City Challenge title with a sizzling 200m performance in the final match.

The series also featured a guest appearance from Kelly Sotherton in the shot, while Tom Parsons – competing for Birmingham Falcons - was in fine form in the high jump.

Manchester Warriors’ Vicky Griffiths used the competition to warm up for World Indoor Championships and World Junior medallist Jack Meredith gave a preview of what his outdoor season was to hold in a competitive 60m hurdles alongside Chris Baillie and Gianni Frankis.

Competition Manager Paul Aldridge said: "2011 awards us the opportunity to provide a high quality, athlete-centred, City versus City competition format.

"A rich mixture of established internationals and aspiring rising stars will combine to forge the eight City teams from across the UK and compete within vibrant, atmospheric arenas.

"Year-on-year the athletes respond to our innovative competition format and record new highs for themselves and their Cities. Let battle commence… "

For more information and to find out how to compete, go to: http://www.uka.org.uk/competitions/mccain-city-challenge/