Coach excited by plans to improve running track

Nikki Tyler said the new track could help someone realise they have a talent for running

Herefordshire’s only athletics track is set to be brought back up to competition standard following prolonged fundraising efforts.

Halo Leisure, which manages the 400-metre track as part of Hereford’s main leisure centre off Holmer Road, confirmed a contractor had been appointed.

Private running coach Nikki Tyler said the announcement was exciting for the area after labelling the current condition of the track as dangerous.

More than £600,000 will be spent on the upgrade with work set to start in spring and it is estimated to take around 12 weeks to complete.

Funders include Hereford City Council, Sport England, England Athletics and the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

In December, Herefordshire Council also agreed to give the project a £70,000 public health grant as part of its physical activity strategy for the county.

More than £32,000 was also raised through a local crowdfunding programme that began over a year ago.

Halo Leisure described the community's efforts as “instrumental” in gaining support from other funders.

Ms Tyler said she could only coach on one lane due to flooding

Ms Tyler, who was heavily involved in fundraising for the track improvements, has been a coach at the track for 10 years.

Because of the poor condition of the track she said she now refuses to coach partially sighted runners and wheelchair users because of the dangerous conditions.

The 54-year-old said the news was especially exciting because of all the effort she and many others had put in to get the work done.

'More meaningful'

"I think the reason it is so exciting it is the fact community pulled together and did all the work themselves," she said.

"Rather than get one massive grant off one person the fact we have helped contribute most of it makes it more meaningful."

Ms Tyler added: "It has pulled people closer together and made people realise just how many people use it."

The new surface will be a UK Athletics-endorsed product.

The track was first opened in 1988 and was regularly used by competitive athletes from local running and triathlon clubs as well as by recreational users.

The money will now also pay for improvements to field event areas alongside the track.

A new cycling track and extended skate park have recently opened next to the athletics track, boosting its position as an outdoor activity hub for the city.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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