Double world champion Jessica Ennis, Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu and American star Tyson Gay will take part in this year's Great CityGames in Manchester.

Ennis, who recently added the world indoor pentathlon title to her heptathlon gold in Berlin last year, will follow in the footsteps of Usain Bolt and compete over 150 metres on a specially-erected track in the city's Deansgate on May 16.

Bolt set a world record of 14.35 seconds over 150m last year despite poor conditions, while Ennis will use the event as part of her preparations for her first heptathlon of the year at the end of May in Gotzis, Austria.

"A flat-out 150m against world-class opposition will be a perfect preparation for Jessica and I know she intends giving it everything on the streets of Manchester," said Andy Caine, elite athletes manager for the meeting.

"She is the first big name to commit herself to the 150m and I can confirm we have still to add another couple of top athletes to the field."

Ohuruogu and Gay have yet to decide over which distance to compete, with men's races over 100m, 150m, 200m, 110m hurdles and 200m hurdles. The women's programme has races over 100m, 150m, 200m and 100m hurdles.

Gay, the second fastest man ever over 100m, said: "I'm really looking forward to coming to Manchester for the Great CityGames. Taking athletics out of the stadium and on to the streets is an idea that has caught people's imagination, including mine."