Freerunners to storm Roundhouse

Is it a sport? Is it an artform? Or is it an expression of personal freedom in the modern concrete jungle? Whatever you call it, freerunning is a spectacular display of athleticism, skill and creativity. And now London has a chance to see the best practitioners of the art the world has to offer.

The inaugural Barclaycard World Freerun Championships will take place this September at Camden's famous Roundhouse and it promises to be an umissable spectacle.

More than 20 top international freerunners will tackle the specially designed course inside the cavernous venue. Accompanied by their own choice of music, each competitor will be judged on skill, complexity and fluidity. And in a unique twist, each will be judged by his fellow competitors.

Freerunning originated in Paris in the 1990s, and derived most of its moves, style and philosophy from the Parkour tradition which involved getting between two points as efficiently as possible by using nothing but the human body.

The sport became popular in the UK after documentaries Jump London and Jump Britain showcased the athletes against some of the most spectacular backdrops in the country. It has since been featured in several Hollywood films, such as Casino Royale and The Bourne Identity.

Despite this mainstream success, freerunning is still an anti-establishment movement. It has maintained its cult appeal and there is still a mystique around its star performers, so the chance to see so many live in the flesh should not be missed.

Tickets for the Barclaycard World Freerun Championships are available from The Roundhouse on 0844 482 8008 or at www.roundhouse.org.uk.