Heptathlete announced for the long jump and 150m at the street athletics meet in Stockton-on-Tees

Katarina Johnson-Thompson is set to compete at the Great North CityGames in Stockton-on-Tees on September 7 as she continues her preparations for the IAAF World Championships in Doha.

The heptathlete has been announced for both the long jump and 150m at the street athletics meet, which takes place in Tees Valley for the first time after having spent a decade on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside.

“I can’t wait to compete at Great North CityGames next month,” said Johnson-Thompson who impressed at the recent Müller Grand Prix with her best long jump mark since 2015 as she soared out to 6.85m in Birmingham. Four years ago was also the last time the Commonwealth heptathlon champion competed at a CityGames event, when she raced in the 200m hurdles in Manchester.

“I love street athletics meetings and especially when it’s in a location we’ve never been to before.

“Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd there and we can maybe inspire some future Olympians.”

Cllr Bob Cook, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “Our High Street will be transformed for the Great North CityGames and I’m delighted Katarina will be joining us for the celebrations.

“This will be an unmissable event, showcasing the best local, national and international athletes and drawing huge crowds to our town centre.”

With a range of events on offer, from 100m sprints to the one-mile distance, and including pole-vault and long jump in a specially-constructed multi sports arena on Stockton-on-Tees High Street, the Great North CityGames kicks off a weekend of first-class sporting action which includes the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great North Run, the Simplyhealth Great North 5k, the Simplyhealth Great Tees 10K and finishes with the world-famous Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday.

The athletics action starts at 1pm, and is free to spectate with no ticket required. For more information visit greatcitygames.org

Entries are still open for the Simplyhealth Great Tees 10K, which takes place before the Great North CityGames begin on Saturday September 7. To enter, visit greatrun.org/tees10k