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147th New Year Sprint - A tale of two tracks.
With the closing date for entries for the 147th New Year Sprint almost upon us Shane Fenton gives his thoughts on the event being staged at two different venues.
A TALE OF TWO TRACKS
There is a famous horse race which starts in one county and finishes in another. And akin to the Cesarewitch, a famous athletic event is set to do something similar with the 147th New Year Sprint[110 metres handicap] set to start at one venue and finish in another.
The heats will take place on the synthetic polymeric surface of the East Lothian Athletics Arena at Meadowmill on 30th December before returning 48 hours later to it's traditional home for the past 16 years at Musselburgh Racecourse on New Years Day.
The move has been forced due to recent upgrading of the racecourse which has restricted it's availability to the racing on the 1st January only, where the running will take place on the outer horse racing circuit used for flat racing.
Despite concerns from some quarters about having to switch surfaces the general opinion is, that it shouldn't make a huge difference, with many commenting that it all adds to the intrique and charisma that surrounds an event which has taken place continuously uninterupted by war or weather since 1870.
With more and more club athletes [amateurs]* competing on the Highland & Border Games circuit during the summer track season, athletes are now competing, and winning, on synthetic surfaces one day and grass the next without even thinking about it. For years the regular Borders Athletics season has taken place on grass with their 'Classic' finale being held on a synthetic track, and i can't say i have heard many complaints. And many have commented, 'a good runner will run on any surface' !
It is also felt that the supporting events will be enhanced by staging them on the more runner friendly synthetic surface at Meadomill on the first day. This has also allowed the promoter to reinstate the Open 1600 metres and 800 metres handicap track events as well as the Youth's 800 metres handicap.
Note:[amateurs]* All athletics in Scotland have been OPEN since 1993.
Entries will be closing soon details below.
For Official Entry Form for all events as well as Rules Governing the ''NEW YEAR'' PEDESTRIAN MEETING go to......http://www.sportingworld.co.uk/newyearsprint/entryform2016.pdf
OFFICIAL ''SPRINT'' WEBSITE....http://www.sportingworld.co.uk/newyearsprint/index.html
Published: 2015-10-28 16:26:55
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