ATHLETES will gather next month for one of the first events at a new running track in Huddersfield.

Longwood Harriers and Kirklees Council's Culture and Leisure Services department will hold the first Leeds Road multi-terrain races on Saturday, March 3.

The new track is the first new sports facility in Kirklees to be opened under the banner of Getting Fit for 2012, part of the national scheme for the London Olympics and Youth Games.

The old shale track has been dug up and replaced by a new synthetic surface.

It has a six-lane 400-metre track with an eight-lane straight, which complies with UK Athletics specifications.

The old track is where Olympic medalist Derek Ibbotson did much of his early training.

He broke the world mile record in July, 1957, after winning a bronze medal in the 5,000 metres at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

Clr Jim Dodds, Kirklees Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for children's services, will be awarding prizes to the winners at the event, which is set to become a feature in the annual sports programme.

It will feature races for boys and girls from under-11 right through to seniors. The event starts at 10.30am.

Entry is still open to competitors from schools and clubs. Full details can be obtained from Andy Cook at Culture and Leisure Services on 01484 234082.

The track is also open for individuals who want to use it for training. The price is £2.65 for adults and £1.35 for juniors, including use of changing rooms and shower facilities. It is open from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9am to 7pm at weekends.

New adult running and keep-fit sessions will be held from 6 to 7pm on Wednesdays, priced at £2.65. These are part of the Sport 4 Life programme.