THE first-ever Commonwealth Championships for ultra- distance and mountain running will take place in the Lake District in 2009.
A proposal by the International Association of Ultra Runners (IAU) and the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) led to the decision.
The idea has been accepted by the Commonwealth Games Federation for two ultra-distance events involving a 100km road race probably involving scenic laps around Derwentwater, and a 24-hour event in the centre of Keswick.
There will also be an uphill-only mountain race and an up-and-down mountain race somewhere in the Lake District.
The four races will be open to all 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
If they are successful, the disciplines could be added to the main Games from 2014.
The decision has delighted Norman Wilson, a former marathon running international who is now the European representative on the International Athletics Union, and also UK event coach for ultra-distance running.
He began campaigning for these events to be recognised by the CGF in September 2004 and said today: "If we get into the Commonwealth Games, it will open-up the possibilities for the Olympics.
" We are following the likes of synchronised swimming on to the major sports stages."
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