The start of the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham was delayed by 90 minutes after the Utilita Arena was evacuated yesterday morning, with West Midlands Fire Service saying that crews were called out after a cooker caught fire in a nearby flat.
Olympic bronze medallist and commentator Katharine Merry posted on X: "Not made it into the Utilita Arena yet.
“It's been fully evacuated due to a fire. Fire brigade here and smoke coming from the top floor."
Following the opening of the venue, Day 1. of two-days of full-blooded action at the Microplus UK Athletics Indoor Championships saw Bianca Williams and Jeremiah Azu achieving PBs, to give the very patient crowd the value for money they fully deserved. Williams (pic) ran a personal best time of 7.19secs. to win the women's 60m title for the first time, whilst for Azu, he managed to match his personal best time in retaining his British indoor men's 60m title in a time of 6.56.
"I've had so many ups and downs in my journey,” a proud Ms. Williams said, before adding: "It's so nice to be number one, and I know I'm in great shape.
“Now I can't wait for the European Championships." Following his victory, Azu said: "It was amazing. I'm a winner at heart – and, what my heart wanted, it gets."
Elsewhere, Abigail Pawlett ran a personal best 8.09 to win the women's 60m hurdles, whilst Daniel Goriola won the men's event. In other headline performances, Zac Shaw won the men's para 60m race, with Sophie Hahn coming out on top in the women's encounter.
