MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Triple Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt will compete in a 150-metre street race in Manchester as part of his build-up to the European outdoor season and World Championships.

The Jamaican sprinter, who won gold in the 100 and 200 metres and 4x100 relay at the Beijing Games, has agreed to run in the inaugural 'Great Manchester 150' on a specially built tartan track in the city centre on May 17.

It will be Bolt's first appearance in Europe this year ahead of Grand Prix races in June and July and the world championships in Berlin from August 15-23.

Excited

"I am very excited to compete for my first time in Manchester, my first time in a 150-metre race and my first time in a street race outside the stadium," Bolt said in a statement issued by organisers yesterday.

"When I heard about the idea, I thought it would be great fun and something new and exciting."

Bolt said he also plans to watch his favourite team, Manchester United, play at Old Trafford.

His appearance will come on the same day that Ethiopian distance great Haile Gebrselassie will seek to defend his title in the 10-kilometre Great Manchester Run.

"Having the two fastest men on the planet competing on the streets of Manchester on the same day is an incredibly exciting prospect," organiser David Hart said.

British sprinters Mark Lewis-Francis and Simeon Williamson will also be in the field, which is expected to attract overseas athletes as well.