Runners, on your marks

The 17th season of the Bainbridge Summer All-Comers Track Meet begins Monday, July 11.

The quintessentially “Bainbridge” event gives kids and adults of all ages a chance to get out in the summer weather for some healthy competition, exercise and socializing.

Race spectators often pack a dinner and watch the events unfold while chatting with neighbors and cheering on the runners of all ages as the races unfold.

Due to construction the meets will be held at the track at Woodward Middle School track through July. Jim Whiting, coordinator of the event, said he is hopeful that the meets will be back at Bainbridge High School for the Aug. 5 meet.

Meets are held every Monday through Aug. 29, starting at 6:15 p.m. The event is free for both spectators and track meet participants.

The popular “step hurdles,” introduced last year, will be a part of the meets again this year. The hurdles are a foot high and 18 inches wide.

Race distances are 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 meters with a 4×100 meter relay. Shorter races are divided into heats according to age and gender.

The youngest age group is three and under. There’s also a joggers’ mile, where the winner is determined by closeness to his or her predicted time.

Results will be posted at http://jimwhiting.com and the Bainbridge Review website.

There is no advance registration, but entrants are asked to fill out provided name tags with their names and ages.

For the sixth year, the meets will be sponsored by Bainbridge Self Storage.

The sponsorship funds the  liability insurance through USA Track & Field, and maintains the tradition of free entry.

For questions contact Whiting at jimruns3@gmail.com or at (206) 259-0337.

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