It was meant to be a gentle easing into the track season with non-standard track distances and to give athletes an indication of their track and field fitness after their winter training. In truth, it turned out to be brutally cold and an endurance test. It still drew an amazing response with big fields from far and near. It was obviously difficult for explosive athletes but despite that there were some good performances – the mens javelin was very strong and high jump drew a largeish field. Full marks to all the athletes and lots with which to look forward.
A big thanks also to all who assisted,whether from North Down, stadium staff, Athletics Northern Ireland or other clubs. We were very grateful to ANI for the loan of the Mary Peters photo finish equipment and to Liz Glover who brought it down and did most of the installation.
The track season gathers pace in the next couple of weeks with Saturday featuring the Rising Stars competion at Mary Peters and the Irish Universities in the deep south. On Thursday 18th Meet 1 of the Lagan Valley Super Five Series with events for all ages. The new standards-driven NI Open Graded League starts at Mary Peters on 23rd April with 60m, 150m, 600m, 2000m, LJ, HJ, Shot.