Calling all track stars, National Championships are next week

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

Next Saturday, July 31, speedsters, endurance fans and chuckers will have a variety of events from which to choose. The sprinters will be able to pick from the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m. 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 medley should make it exciting. I don’t think that many have ever seen that here. It should be a great event,” said Meet Director Elias Rangamar.

There are also plenty of field events as well. If running as fast as you can to the finish line finds you searching for more, you can enter the Long Jump. For those who fashion a flair for the fling, try launching the Javelin, Discus and the Shotput.

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+under and 17+under will be recognized, as well as the masters divisions of 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, and every five years as long as there are contestants.

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.

As a reminder to the public, the hours of operation for the track are from 7:30am until 9:00 pm and lanes 6-8 having 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.

During the football and soccer seasons, players are encouraged to carry their competition shoes to the infield grass so as not to cause damage to 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 CNMI 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.