A lighting system designed by Stage Electrics' Simon Baker allowed the athletes to race against banks of lights around the track. The lights were carefully programmed to chase at the world record pace, meeting the exact specification set by Bob Caple production manager for Fast Track. The chases were set up to be accurate to within 0.01 of a second and the whole event was broadcast live by the BBC.
Working for Fast Track, UK Athletics and BBC Sport, Stage Electrics ensured that the system was robust and wouldn't let the athletes down during the races. 100 floor cans were rigged around the 200m track and controlled by Martin Light Jockey and a Strand 520i desk. Other equipment used included two Avolites Art 2000 48 way dimmers, two Strand Dig 6 dimmers and almost 2.8km of cable.
"This was a thoroughly absorbing project and I hope it added to the sense of excitement generated by an event such as this." said Simon Baker, production manager.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
