Athletics is such a diverse sport - with running, jumping and throwing events - that the physical benefits of taking up the sport are vast. Athletics will improve your strength, endurance, speed, co-ordination, agility and flexibility.

The number and variety of different events involved in athletics means the sport is suitable for all ages and abilities. Athletics is also suitable for people with disabilities, with events adapted to different needs.

If you would like to get into athletics and are not sure where to start then let us help. We can put you in touch with the right person and the right club.

For more information contact:

• Leeds Road Playing Fields
• Spenborough - Princess Mary's

The first Olympic Games took place in Athens in 776 BC. Then, a single athletic event was known as the 'stade', a foot race which covered the length of the Athenian Olympic stadium.

The Olympic Games continued to take place in Athens every four years, with wars suspended for the duration of the games. Over the years, more events were added to the ancient games including longer and longer running distances, throwing events like the discus and javelin, and jumping.

Athletics was an integral part of the first 'modern' Olympic Games in 1896 (Athens), with medals awarded for the 100m, 1,500m, 110m hurdles, marathon, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, discus, shot put and high jump.