Athletic residents will recreate the magic of the Olympics when they take part in a contest to find the fastest man, woman and child in Brixton.
Tomorrow (Saturday), three months after Usain broke the Olympic 100m record, The Brixton Bolt will see wannabe sprinters converge on Popes Road to try and match his success on the makeshift track.
The day will evoke the day in August when Usain Bolt ran the course in 9.63seconds, sending fans gathered in the town’s Jamaican-run businesses into a jubilant frenzy.
Event organiser Tom Shakhli said: “Brixton’s got a proud and strong Jamaican community and watching the reaction when Usain Bolt won both races got me thinking about how to harness that.
“When I told people the idea everyone smiled and said that sounds like great fun. I’ve tried to make it something that’s fun for everyone.”
Schools and community groups have already got into the spirit by holding a series of heats and training sessions. At Evelyn Grace Academy, Shakespeare Road Brixton, youngsters held their heats last week and have been in fervent training since.
One hopeful, Tristan, said: “It was impressive to see Usain Bolt win the 100m, and made me put even more effort to training. I’ll be training properly before the event.”
Teacher Marvin Riley added: “This is an absolutely brilliant activity for the students, and it takes advantage of this track we have too.
“Off the back of the Olympics these young people have begun to realise that whatever their background they can develop their skills and be the best.”
As well as the glory, prizes are on offer including Pizza for two at Franco Manca restaurant and cocktails at Seven bar, Market Row.
The event sarts at 10.30am on Saturday October 27 and is open to anyone who lives within Brixton Town. To find out more visit www.brixtonbolt.com.
