AN OLYMPIC athelete was one of the first to try out Lee Valley Athletics Centre's new running trail.

Marilyn Okoro opened the trail at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre last Wednesday.

Promising young athletes also took time out from a five day training programme to join the 800m semi finalist for the ceremony at the Lee Valley Leisure complex at Picketts Lock.

The young people, aged from eight to 16, had been honing their athletic skills as part of the Star Track programme led by Lee Valley Athletics Centre coaches.

The new 600m track is open to all ages and provides a safe, well lit training route around the grounds of the centre. Centre manager Mick Bond said: “We hope the trail will be particularly attractive to women who don’t want to run around the streets as the nights close in.”

The bark chipping and grass surface is also easy on joints and gives the pleasant impression of running along a woodland path.

Marilyn Okoro said: “I am looking forward to incorporating the trail into my winter training programme.”

Because the trail is adjacent to the centre’s 400m athletics track, runners can jog whilst watching track stars such as Marilyn Okoro going through her paces.

Tickets for use of the outdoor track and new trail cost £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.

The trail is open during from 9am to 10pm on Monday to Thursdays, and From 9am to 5pm on Fridays to Sundays.

For more information on Star Track courses, which run at various times throughout the year, visit leevalleypark.org.uk.