Manawatu¯ track set for top-class upgrade
It has been confirmed that the Manawatu¯ Community Athletic Track will be resurfaced with Mondo, the same surface that will be used for the athletic track at next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
I understand that the two projects will dovetail with one another with the materials for both likely to be manufactured at the same time and shipped together.
The same installation team will move to our resurfacing once the Gold Coast job has been completed.
Our installation will be slightly different in that rather than completely removing the existing surface, the new surface will be laid on top of the existing track providing a slightly softer surface than a new track.
The track will feature a new colour scheme with the main track and long jump runways, the area currently red, becoming dark blue and the high jump fan, currently beige, becoming dark grey.
The proposed timeline will see the arrival of contractors on site on January 8 and a projected completion date of February 21. The project is weather dependant. The availability of the track and any restrictions that need to apply during this period are still to be determined.
The Palmerston North club will need to be looking at the options available for their club nights .
Athletics New Zealand has refurbished their Run, Jump, Throw programme, recently holding a workshop introducing the revised concept to facilitators from around the county.
Athletics Manawatu-wanganui were represented by Jodie Brunger, Vanessa Story and Katrina Gemmell.
Jodie is based in Whanganui with Vanessa and Katrina being here in Palmerston North.
The new concept is aimed at a wider age group with more emphasis being placed on enjoyment rather than competitive results.
As with any change in direction, there will be challenges but I’m certain that we are well equipped to deal with these.
Tuesday is the opening night for Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club.
Clubs members are now encouraged member to use the online registration system avoiding the ques. Head to pnahc.org.nz to register. Important things to note are that if you are already a member of another club wishing to transfer your membership you do not need to register through the online system.
You should ask Darren Gray to arrange a transfer request from your current club.
The only cost for this is a $20 membership fee.
If you were a member of the club last season and did not transfer to another club you will need to hit login button.
The registration button is for members new to the sport.
Any previous member who have forgotten the email address they used to register should email Darren using dman230967@gmail.com.
He can provide you with information to help.
He should be at club night early to help out with the registrations.
We will still accept the cheque, cash or direct debit payments including filling in the registration form.
The Manawatu Striders Kahuterawa Classic has undergone a change this year and will now become a one day event on October 14.
In the morning you can choose from a 7km trail run or a shorter 3.5km run. Then later in the day there is a half marathon with a scenic 14.1km route or a shorter 7km run.
You have the option of competing in both the morning and afternoon events of just choosing one.
There are detailed descriptions of the courses available on the Manawatu Striders website
What’s On
October 3 - Palmerston North Athletics, opening night
October 10 - Palmerston North Athletics, programme B
October 14 - Manawatu Striders Kahuterawa Classic
October 17 - Palmerston North Athletics, programme C
October 17 - Ashhurst Athletics opening night
October 18 Feilding Athletics Opening Night
October 28 Central Teams Competition Inglewood.
October 28 Palmerston North Parkrun.,