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"URBAN acrobats" from around the world will compete in the second annual free running world championships in Trafalgar Square tomorrow.
About 8,000 spectators are expected to watch as 27 top athletes compete on a purpose-built obstacle course featuring angled walls, vertical pipes and scaffolding.
A panel of four judges will choose the winner based on technique, execution, creativity and fluidity.
The runners will compete for a £5,000 prize and the world title. The final, featuring the 10 best competitors, will be broadcast live on BBC3 from 7pm.
American Gabe Nunez, who won the inaugural event last year at Camden's Roundhouse, will defend his title, with Britain represented by Paul Joseph, Tim Shieff and George Mayfield.
Organiser Paul Corkery said: "Free running is the art of movement using running, climbing, vaulting and flips to negotiate an urban environment."
The sport originated in France, where it is known as parkour, and featured in the BBC television promotional film Rush Hour, in which a man beats city congestion by vaulting across rooftops.
The UK's official free running organising body, Urban Freeflow, has taught the military, police and business leaders to use the skills.
Reader views (2)
Ah, but wait until the health and safety lot get a hold of it. Probably be a different kind of spectacle then.
- Rogan, Irving, 17/08/2009 05:43
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Is this going in the Olympics too?It might be a bit less boring than some of the non events.
- Jimfred, London UK, 14/08/2009 15:11
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