Speaking in Taiwan after watching the New Tapei City Marathon, Ukraine's former world pole vault record holder, who confirmed his candidacy for the position as President on January 28, commented: "One of the key pillars of my Programme, which I plan to publish soon, is a thorough review of every aspect of athletics across the world.

"Collaborating with every element of our sport, we will draw upon the expertise of the athletic family and beyond to ensure we are in the best possible shape for the future."

Bubka gave an indication of the way his thoughts are moving as he praised the New Taipei City Marathon - awarded the status of IAAF Road Race Bronze Label - as being a perfect opportunity to engage with wider audiences through Athletics.

Sergey Bubka, a candidate for President of the IAAF, has promised to publish his manifesto soon ©Sergey Bubka

The 51-year-old former athlete – who will go head-to-head with Coe in the election due to be held in August 2015 during the IAAF Congress in in Beijing on August 19 - made it clear that he believes the marathon underlines the value of athletics events away from the confines of the stadium.

"During my conversations with the athletics family around the world, it has become clear that we must find innovative ways to inspire new audiences to watch and participate in our sporting events," he said.

"Road races such as marathons are already well-established and provide the perfect opportunity to entertain wider audiences than just the traditional athletics fans.

"I have seen how the public, our fans and supporters, enjoy events held in cities, beaches or around other landmarks so let's find ways to include these in official competitions or results. The backdrop to the New Taipei City Marathon is stunning and a credit to the Chinese Taipei Athletics Association and New Taipei City Government's efforts."

Sergey Bubka (right) with his rival for the IAAF Presidency Seb Coe (left) and, in front, the man who one of them will replace this summer, Lamine Diack ©Getty Images

Bubka said he also believes events such as the marathon underline the valuable input every national federation and their associated stakeholders make to the sport of athletics.

The former Olympic and world champion has served for the past 15 years in various senior positions at the IAAF, the International Olympic Committee and Ukraine National Olympic Committee and has always been an advocate for the development of athletics and other sports worldwide, it is claimed by his supporters.

Coe aunched his manifesto – entitled Growing Athletics In A New Age and described as "a road map to deliver growth and vibrancy" - at the start of December.

In February Coe, who has already received high profile endorsements from New Zealand and Jamaica, commented that Bubka's public assertion that he wanted to "put something back into the sport of athletics", was "proper motivation".

But, the Briton added, "There needs to be more."

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