Bedford International Athletics Stadium has “taken a significant step forward” after work to its much-maligned athletics track was completed, allowing the facility to once again host ‘competition-standard’ events.
The facility has been measured and assessed to UK Athletics Level 2 Track and Field standards, meaning Bedford will once again host big age-grade events such as the Under-20 England Athletics Championships, which takes place from 3 July.
Comprehensive work at the site on Barkers Lane included a full re-lay of the athletics track and surrounding areas with a Polytan overlay, black top resurfacing of hard standing areas and the introduction of smart timing gates.
All of which means Bedford will welcome the nation’s best young athletes as well as other national Senior and Para events this Summer.
This follows a decision made in 2022, when England Athletics adjudged the athletics track “did not meet minimum UKA TrackMark standards”, with “wear and tear” reducing the shock absorbency to sub-standard levels.
An England Athletics spokesperson has confirmed to Bedford Independent that this standard “has now been met following the track re-laying”.
“This has been a fantastic collaborative effort between Bedford and County Athletics Club, [Bedford’s leisure provider] GLL and Bedford Borough Council, bringing our national age group championships back to Bedford in 2026”, said England Athletics CEO, Chris Jones.
“Without the investment of Bedford Borough Council, this track opening day would not be possible”, he added.
Bedford Borough Council has also been approached for comment.
Putting Bedford back on the athletics map
The refurbished stadium was officially re-opened by the Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton (Conservative) on 4 April in a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the main proprietors of the ground, Bedford and County Athletics Club.
“We are very grateful to Bedford Borough Council for the investment in the track and wider athletics facilities”, said Bedford and County Athletic Club chair, Ewan Wilson.
“Bedford and County Athletics Club is a successful and growing club, and the resurfaced track secures the future of the club within the town and we look forward to working with GLL to write the next chapter in the club’s history”.
In addition to the major work on track, GLL has also made what Bedford and County Athletics Club call “minor improvements”, including the installation of new benches and updated signage.
“We are committed to putting Bedford back on the map for athletics in the UK”, added GLL’s General Manager at Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Amy Draper.
“This investment allows us to deliver a competition-standard track, welcome new athletes to the stadium and build a sustainable future for the sport locally”.
The Under-20 England Athletics Championships is not the only meeting scheduled in Bedford for this Summer.
Alongside senior track and field and combined events championships, there are also Under-18 and Under-16 track and field championships as well as junior and senior para championships for wheelchair, seated throws and ambulant athletes.
England Under-18 and Under-16 combined events championships will also be taking place at the venue this summer, meaning local athletics fans will be able to take a look at a whole host of up and coming athletics talent.
Athlete entries for the England Under-20 Championships opened on Monday, 11 May, with spectator tickets now on sale.
