Athletics is set to get a shot in the arm from the exploits of Jonathan Edwards, Steve Backley and Denise Lewis at the World Championships in Canada next week.

Locals clubs are poised to take advantage of the increase in interest with clubs like Keighley and Craven AC are working in partnership with Bradford council's development officers to encourage people to 'Give Athletics a Go.'

"We think people will follow the championships in Edmonton on BBC TV and then want to come and try out field and track events," said athletics development officer, John Woodcock.

"The evening sessions are totally free of charge. Just turn up in trainers and sports clothing. If you don't have a go, you'll never know what you can do."

Anyone wanting to try any of the athletics disciplines, or get back into the sport after a period out of action can turn up at the track and have a go.

The World Championships begin tomorrow and finish on Sunday week.

The local all-age 'Give Athletics a Go' sessions are at Greenhead track from Monday, August 13 to Friday, August 17, 6.30-8pm. Contact number is Ian Eaton on 07761 137744.

There is also a session for six to 16-year-olds at Bradford's Horsfall stadium on Cemetery Road, 10am-1pm over the same five days. Contact there is Ray Walker on 01274 604578.

n K&CAC is to run seven short challenging off-road races as an 'Alternative fell series' to a programme decimated by the Foot & Mouth crisis. Two races have already taken place and the remainder of the series is:

Saturday, August 11 - Greenhead school; Wednesday, August 15 - Penistone hill, Haworth; Wednesday, August 29 - Aireville school, Skipton; Saturday, September 8 - Guides races, Hainworth; Wednesday, September 12 - Greenhead school.

Race categories are U9, U12, U14, U17 and senior with the Wednesday runs starting with the youngest at 6.30pm and the Saturday runs start at 2pm. Anyone is welcome to compete. Entry fee is seniors £2.50, juniors 50p, on the day only.

Full details of the races are on the club website: keighleyandcravenac.co.uk or by ringing 07970-206003.

The series will conclude with a relay on Saturday, September 22 at Aireville Park and a presentation at the Narrow Boat Inn, Skipton, at 4.30pm.

n A decision on whether the Yorkshireman off-road marathon will go-ahead next month is imminent. As soon as a decision is made it will be posted on K&CAC's website.

Definitely taking place, though probably on an altered course and distance, is the Bront Way race on Sunday, October 14.

"We may have to look at orgtanising the event over an out and back course up the Bront moors, rather than the usual point-to-point," said the organiser. "But we're determined it will be the same social occasion."

Details of this race will also be posted on the running club's website as soon as details have been finalised.