At fabled Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., the U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field begin June 27 and end July 6. But athletes and fans get a break for two days -- July 1-2. They call 'em Rest Days. But not for some fortunate Masters tracksters.
Yesterday on the Track & Field News message board, Trials meet director Tom Jordan posted this revelation:
"There will be all-comers meets on the two 'rest' days, July 1 & 2. July 1 will be for kids; July 2nd for teens and up. Very limited slate of running events; no field events. It's mostly to give interested athletes the chance to run on Hayward Field during the Olympic Trials."
I'm still awaiting details on how Masters can enter the July 2 event. (My blog at masterstrack.com/blog will eventually have the goods.)
But if this pans out, it sounds like a dream-come-true opportunity to test your legs and lungs on the same superfast track as the team bound for Beijing. Even more exciting: Fans might fill the newly remodeled grandstands and cheer you on!
Eugene has long been known as Track Town USA (where the nearby pizza joint -- which I highly recommend -- is called Track Town Pizza). Hayward Field -- an 88-year-old, oft-improved track stadium -- has undergone a $7.39 million overhaul. Included is a rearranged infield and track surface, and new lights for TV coverage for night events. (But not live TV; you'll have to visit my Trials blog for real-time results and commentary. More on that in a few months.)
Eugene is no stranger to Masters, of course. In 1989, a legendary WAVA world masters track championships were held there. In 2000 and 2003, Eugene hosted the USATF national masters outdoor championships. Many Masters secretly (and not so secretly) wish the masters national championships were held in cool and comfy Eugene every year. (Many other sites have been dreadfully hot and humid, including Charlotte, N.C., in August 2006, when the meet was almost called off due to a heat emergency.)
But the soonest Eugene will host nationals again is probably 2011, and we haven't heard a peep about their interest in making a bid.
Tom Jordan, a former Track & Field News staff writer, is well-known to Masters of the 1990s. During that decade, he served as executive vice president of the World Association of Veteran Athletes (now WMA). Although he was more interested in promoting his tour service to Masters world meets than promoting Masters track, he at least knows our sport.
But even if Masters are squeezed out of the all-comers meet, older age-groupers will still have showcase events during the Trials themselves. They are part of a series of exhibitions held at every major USATF elite meet.
According to Mark Cleary of Southern California, the coordinator of these invitational events, a Masters men's 3,000-meter run and a women's 200-meter dash will be held at the Trials -- in front of the paying crowds and world media.
Here's what you need to know about these two races:
"To apply for entry into Masters invitational events, you must have met the following standards in 2007 or 2008 (priority will be given to times run in 2008). Fully automatic timing (F.A.T.) is the only method of timing acceptable for qualifying marks. Relay splits may not be used for qualifying.
"Event: Masters Men's 3000m
Standard: 9:35.00
Field size: 12 with 3 alternates
Event: Masters Women's 200m
Standard: 28.80
Field size: 8 with 3 alternates"
The application deadline is 9 p.m. ET June 11, 2008.
But even if you're among the Masters superstars good enough to enter these showcase events, be aware you're not THAT special.
Trials qualifiers with Olympic aspirations get financial aid to travel to Eugene.
Masters?
"You must pay the entry fee of $25, by check or money order, prior to June 11, 2008."
Tags: Masters Track
