Team Cram and Curbishley Race to Birmingham for University Challenge

Olympic running star Steve Cram has this week been trackside at the University of Birmingham to launch an event which will see sporty youngsters vying to become record breakers. 

The former English athlete turned presenter and commentator came to Birmingham with his partner, successful athlete and University of Birmingham alumnus Alison Curbishley, to kick start 'University Challenge' which takes place on campus next March.

Organised and hosted by the University Sport Birmingham Athletics Club, 'University Challenge'  is designed to raise money for the club's America athletics tour next year. It is open to university athletes and primary school children. The event will involve athletes running in teams to try and break various British records – including one of Steve’s.

University students will be in groups of 10 running 2.6 miles each to challenge Paula Radcliffe’s marathon record, while teams of 15 primary school children will run 100m each taking on Kelly Holmes' and Steve Cram's 1500m records.

Cram was one of the most dominant middle distance runners in the 1980s, setting records in the 1500m, 2000m and the mile in 1985. He also won silver at the Olympic Games in 1984 along with numerous gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, European and World Championships.

Alison meanwhile, graduated from the university in 1997, already a senior Great Britain international. As well as reaching the final at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games she went on to become British Champion over 400m, representing Great Britain at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, winning silver and bronze respectively.

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Notes to Editors:

Further information:

Lucy Hood - PR, Media and Promotions Officer, University Sport Birmingham

tel: 0121 414 2662 / email: l.hood@bham.ac.uk

Professional images of Steve and Alison at the University are available on request.