Usain Bolt to join Manchester fun run

Athletics fans have had few chances to see the miraculous Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt (pictured) - the so-called lightning bolt - since he effortlessly took gold medals in the 100-metre and the 200-metre sprints at last year's Beijing Olympics. But on May 17 he is to compete in a 150-metre race on a specially-created, four-lane, tartan track in Manchester city centre.

The event, part of the Great City Games, is being organised by Nova International, and will be the Jamaican's first race in Europe this year. Although the 150 metres is something of a novelty in athletics, Mark Lewis-Francis and Simeon Williamson of Great Britain have been named as two of Bolt's opponents and other overseas stars are also expected. There will be semi-finals and a final.

Bolt, 22, is not only in town for the running. He is said to be looking forward to taking up a longstanding invitation from Sir Alex Ferguson to visit Old Trafford and meet the Manchester United players. Bolt will take in the home match with Arsenal that weekend and hopes to attend training.

"I've wanted to come to match for a long time and am delighted to get the opportunity," said the Olympian, who has asked for a signed shirt from the United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.