By Duncan Mackay at the Rome Cavalieri in Rome

Baku will hold a special street athletics event during the inaugural European Games in 2015 @European AthleticsNovember 21 - Street athletics could feature as part of the inaugural European Games in Baku in 2015 it was revealed today. 


The sport has so far been conspicuous by its absence on the programme for the event in Azerbaijan.

But now European Athletics have agreed for an event held on a temporary track in Baku to take place during the European Games, which is scheduled to run from June 12 to 28.

Such events normally take place on purpose built, temporary outdoor arenas featuring a specially constructed International Association of Athletics Federations certified four-lane sprint track and are held in city centres.

Popular field events, like the high jump and pole vault, can also be part of the programme. 

The concept has been pioneered in England, where events in Manchester and Newcastle have proven popular, attracting the likes of Usain Bolt, Mo Farah and Sally Pearson to compete. 

Britain's Mo Farah wins the two miles at the 2012 City Games in Newcastle @Getty ImagesBritain's Mo Farah wins the two miles at the 2012 City Games in Newcastle on a temporary track that could now be used in Baku during the European Games in 2015 @Getty Images

The continental governing body have also proposed incorporating the European Athletics Team Championships 3rd League, which includes Azerbaijan's team, into the European Games, although Baku organisers are understood to be less enthusiastic about this idea. 

European Athletics have so far refused to sign up for Baku 2015 because they claim it clashes with its Team Championships with the top division, featuring the continent's top competitors,  due to take place in Cheboksary, Russia, on June 20 and 21.

It is part of a long-term strategic plan for athletics in the country drawn up by European Athletics and Azerbaijan announced today. 

The plan also includes the hosting in Baku of the European Youth Olympic Trials in June 2014 and the European Athletics Convention in October 2014.

"The Azerbaijan Athletics Federation and its President Chingiz Husseinzade have been very proactive in working with us to develop a long-term plan for athletics in the country and we believe that together we have found the right path as we move forward," said European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz.

"We are now ready to work alongside the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation and with the relevant authorities to finalise the details of the events that are part of this strategy, taking into account our responsibility and duty to govern our sport on the continent."

The European Olympic Committees, meeting here for its 42nd General Assembly, which is due to start tomorrow, and Baku 2015 were not immediately available for comment. 

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