So you thought when your high school running career ended you were done with organized track and field meets? Maybe you know a kid who would just love to get to the starting line and run. Or maybe your treadmill group at the YMCA or your little after work running group would like to spice it up a little bit – see what you’re made of.
Heartland Athletic Services may just have the event for you. If you are between the ages of 5 and 75 (yes 75!) you are not too young or too old for an official track and field meet. Not very fast? No matter. The Heartland Thursday Night Track Series at Van Horn High School, what do you know?
T or F?
1. Groups are separated by age AND skill.
2. The goal is to have fun.
3.It costs $5 per event.
The Heartland Thursday Night Track Summer Series (TNT) is the brainchild of the Heartland Athletic Services and the Heartland Youth Track Club. On June 30, Van Horn High School will be the site for next stop on the TNT series circuit. This is an all-comers meet designed to attract all ages and abilities with a couple of goals in mind.First, to have fun. Second, to introduce folks to track and field. There are five to seven track or running events and two to three field events. Shot put, anyone? You select your event or events at registration. Cost for each event is $5.
Gilbert Castillo and Dr. Jack Nelson, founders and directors of Athletics at Heartland Athletic Services (www.heartlandathleticservices.com) are the masterminds behind the TNT Series. On June 16 Van Horn was the site for the kick off of this summer’s Series. The Kansas City Police Academy will host this week, back to Van Horn on June 30 and then to Johnson County Community College for the remaining two meets.
Heartland Athletic Services has a history of running first rate meets. The TNT Series may open the doors to running for your kid, or you. For kids, this may be their first introduction to a real track and field meet. Officials are certified by USA Track and Field. Races are hand timed and medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each group.
No, your 49-year-old-and-holding self will not be competing against an 18 year-old. In fact, you do not even have to look at the 18s. You will be placed by age and ability. Simple. Fun. This may be just what you might need to jump start your exercise plan or prepare for the Show-Me State Games (www.smsg.org). Or, just simply have fun on a Thursday night and gain some water cooler bragging rights for Friday.
The Heartland TNT Series is a terrific idea, which promotes fitness and fun. Midwest Sports Medicine Physicians is sponsoring a fund for those who may not be able to afford the $5 per event registration fee.
For more information about Heartland TNT, contact Gilbert Castillo, 816-916-6379 or gscast@kc.rr.com. On your mark. Get set. Go!
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