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Athletes racing through Tyne Tunnel tonight

Today marks the return of Tunnel 2K International, the unique wheelchair race which sees elite athletes breaking the speed limit through the Tyne Tunnel.

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson will be one of 24 athletes taking part in the race, which begins at 9pm this evening. The 2km course starts at the Tunnel’s south end with a 100m sprint to the entrance portal. The 1996 course speed record stands at an unbelievable 47.2 mph.

Tunnel 2K International, which offers the UK’s largest prize fund for wheelchair racing, forms part of NewcastleGateshead’s world-class festivals and events programme and is promoted by local firm, Burdus Access Management.

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson said: “I am thrilled to see this event return and even more delighted to be a competitor for the fifth time. The uniqueness and the sheer challenge that Tunnel 2K International presents has established it the highlight of world wheelchair-racing calendar. It also sets the scene for North East England as we move towards the 2012 Olympics.”

Stella Hall, Creative Director NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “North East England is the birthplace of such world-class events as the Great North Run and a home for international athletics. The emergence of Tunnel 2K International as yet another major sporting event attracting athletes from all over the world puts us in a good position as we develop our plans towards 2012.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .