Bolt to get back on the road as Manchester hosts special 150m race

The race will be run on a straight track laid out in Manchester city centre (GETTY IMAGES)

The Lightning Bolt is coming to Manchester on a double mission in May. It was announced yesterday that Usain Bolt, the Jamaican who won the Olympic 100m and 200m in world record time last summer, is to compete in a special 150m street race as part of the Great City Games on Sunday 17 May.

He will also be a guest at Manchester United's game against Arsenal at Old Trafford the previous day.

The world's fastest man is a United fan and Cristiano Ronaldo is his favourite player. "I've wanted to come to match for a long time and am delighted to get the opportunity," said Bolt, who has asked for a signed shirt from the United No 7.

The 150m race will be run on a straight track laid out in the city centre, and coincides with the staging of the Bupa Great Manchester Run, a 10km road race. "I love competing in the UK," Bolt added. "It is like my second home. I usually stay in London during the European season."