Sebastian Coe launched his manifesto for the election to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) presidency yesterday promising a transformation of the athletics calendar, attracting more young people via “street athletics” and setting up an ethics department for the sport.

Coe, currently a vice-president of athletics’ world governing body, is standing to succeed Lamine Diack, who is stepping down in August. He is likely to face competition from Sergei Bubka, the Ukrainian former pole vault champion who is also an IAAF vice-president.

Coe said: “To many within and outside our sport, our calendar seems disjointed, lacks a narrative and the essential glue to build excitement and a loyal and passionate following.

“Many fans don’t know when the athletics season starts, when it ends, why it seems to bounce around from the US to Europe to Asia and back again. A harmonised calendar is the key to promotion, marketing, the athletes and member federation development and we must address this.

“We need to be more innovative in how we project and present our sport to the world, both in venue and on screen, give serious consideration to an “IAAF Street Athletics” circuit to help reach new audiences and create a new IAAF division that has the sole purpose of focussing on youth engagement, especially via social media.”

The “four pillars” of Coe’s manifesto are:

Reforming the world athletics calendar and bringing in city centre ‘street athletics’ competitions;

Maximising commercial growth and focusing on youth engagement;

Increasing resources for anti-doping and creating a new IAAF ethics department;

Changes to the IAAF internal structure to give a greater voice for athletes.

Coe added: “The vision and proposals that I am unveiling today are designed to increase the reach and appeal of athletics in a world that is rapidly changing.”