National track and field champs tomorrow

Once again it is time to stretch the legs and don the sneakers as the 14th Annual CNMI National Track and Field Championships are off and running tomorrow, and this year the entrants will have the added benefit of competing on a state-of-the-art facility.

Registration will begin promptly at 2:30pm and continue until 3pm, when the events get underway. The long jump and the discus events will be held from 3pm through 3:30, while the javelin will commence at 3:30pm and wrap up in time for the track events at 4pm.

Sprinters will be able to pick from the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m, while the mid and long distance runners should be pleased with events that will showcase their talents in the 800m, 1500m, and the 5000.

This year will also offer something that is a little different from the usual team events. Rather than the standard 4×100 and 4×400 relay races, there will be a medley that features a 2×100, 1×200 and a 1×400. There will also be a mixed event in the 4×100 whereas each team will have two males and two females.

The order in which the races will be run is as follows: 100m, 800m, 60m, 400m, 1500m, 200m, 5000m, and the relays.

The track and field facility will be closed to the public today to allow for the necessary cleaning and preparation for tomorrow’s event.

The championships are open to anybody that is on island for the event. You can register as late as 2:30pm on race day for the event whether you are a tourist, local, contract worker, or looking for something to do during a long layover.

There will be medals awarded for the top three finishers in each of the events. Though each of the events will be open to all ages, top finishers in age groups 11-and-under and 17-and-under under will be recognized for men and women separately as well as the masters divisions of 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, and every five years for as long as there are contestants.

As a reminder to the public, the hours of operation for the track are from 7:30am until 9pm and lanes 6-8 have been designated for recreational runners and walkers.

The DCCA wishes to reminds the public to be careful and that the strict supervision of minors is the responsibility of the parent.

To keep the facility in tip-top shape for years to come, only proper athletic footwear and running shoes is permitted on the track. Any footwear that could cause damage to the track is strictly prohibited.

Also, the Oleai track and field facility does not permit the use of bicycles, skateboards, roller blades or baby strollers on the track.

In addition, the players are reminded to wear only approved footwear when utilizing the track surface for warm-up and cool down exercises.

If you chew or smoke, be aware that the DCCA has banned betel nut, chewing gum, and tobacco from the premises. Violators will be warned, however; those who chose to continue will be removed from the facility.

Hurdling over obstacles will be allowed on the track, but jumping over the fence will be strictly prohibited. Entry gates have been provided for public access, and everyone is encouraged to use them.

Finally, if you have four legs, you will have to wait outside the fenced area, as no pets are permitted on the premises.

The national championships have been held annually since 1991, are supposed to have the event every year sometime in June or July.

If you are interested in further information about this edition of the championships or volunteering to help in the event, please contact Elias Rangamar by calling 664-2503.