City targets £2.5m from sport

THEY may not seem like instant crowd-pullers. But a trio of international competitions – climbing, athletics, and archery – could be set to net Edinburgh more than £2.5 million.

All three events are to be jointly marketed by the city council as a "Super September" of sport.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, the city's festivals and events champion, said: "What better way to follow Edinburgh's major festivals in August than with this Super September of sport?

"Edinburgh is the perfect city for top-level events like these and I'm sure all the competitors and spectators will enjoy a fantastic visit to Scotland's Capital."

The full marketing drive is currently being drawn up, but is expected to include posters and banners around the city, as well as using mailing lists to get details across to visitors.

The first of the events to get under way is the 2010 Edinburgh Duathlon World Championships, which runs from 3-5 September. Up to 1,000 competitors will descend to compete for world titles and medals.

It will feature a 10km run, 40km cycle and a 5km run, featuring multiple laps around Holyrood Park.

The World Youth Climbing Championships then runs from 9-12 September and will attract more than 300 of the world's best young climbers.

Finally, east Princes Street Gardens will be transformed into an archery arena for the World Cup Final on the 18 and 19 September, which will be screened worldwide on TV.

Paul Bush, chief operating officer of EventScotland, the national events agency, said: "Edinburgh's credentials as a world-leading destination for major events will be on display throughout September, with the city providing the stunning backdrop to these exciting world championships."

Graeme Gardiner, head of the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, said: "The EICA is delighted to be hosting the IFSC World Youth Championships

"This event promises to offer an exciting atmosphere for all of those taking part."