Olympic Hero Mo Farah backs new running track at Paddington Rec

The restoration of an iconic Westminster running track has been given a vote of confidence by double Olympic champion Mo Farah.

The 5000m and 10,000m gold medallist has backed the �240,00 revamp of Paddington Recreation Ground’s track, which has been closed for the development over the summer.

Farah said: “Central London getting a new running track is great news for athletes of the future.

“The London Olympic Games will inspire a whole new generation of potential sports men and women and it is good to see Westminster Council leading the way in bringing important new facilities to the heart of the capital.”

The track, which opens on September 26 will offer an international standard running track and top quality facilities for field events.

It will be available for free casual use and coaching sessions, as well as providing a spot for schools to train and run sports days.

The Marathon Trust provided �130,000 for the project, The London Mayor’s Legacy Fund provided �44,000 and the remainder was met by Westminster Council.

Cllr Steve Summers, deputy cabinet member for Olympics, sport and leisure, said: “It is great to see that one of the stars of the Olympic Games is backing this project.

“We hope that hundreds of people will be inspired to take up track and field sports and maybe even go on to represent the UK in Olympics around the world.”