The indoor track which will be used by Jessica Ennis-Hill in the run-up to Rio 2016 has undergone a “major upgrade” to simulate conditions for this summer’s Games.
UK Sport and Sport England have jointly invested in the 130m sprint track in Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport (EIS) facility, alongside venue operator Sheffield International Venues (SIV).
Two of the six lanes within the EIS have been resurfaced with 13.5mm Sportflex material which will be used in Rio, while the further four lanes have been resurfaced with an additional 10mm Sportflex to help with repetitive work, providing a “more forgiving surface”.
The track, which is designed for 100m sprint, hurdles and long-jump training, is also used by the local community for athletics sessions. On the weekend of the 27-28 February the EIS will host the Indoor British Championships.
“It’s vital that we provide the right training environment for our athletes so they can be competitive on the international stage,” said Sport England director of property, Charles Johnston.
“Thanks to our strong partnership with UK Sport, we have been able to invest £39,780 to help deliver this word-class facility which will not only get the British team on the right track for Olympic glory, but also be a huge asset for Sheffield.”
Ennis-Hill highlighted the importance of getting the track ready “in time for our final preparations” for the coming season and the Rio Olympics.
“Sheffield has the best athletics indoor facilities in the country and I am incredibly fortunate to have this on my doorstep,” she added.
