OpenTrack Update: Early Summer Competition
The sun is occasionally out, but top tier competition is regularly taking place on OpenTrack
As we head towards the height of the summer, the quantity and quality of fixtures on OpenTrack is increasing, with plenty of athletes and competition organisers starting their seasons in earnest.
In this update:
History continues at the Varsity Match
Speed Masters Athletics returns
Comeback 5000 turns 5
This update looks back at plenty of highlights from recent weeks — the historic Oxford and Cambridge Varsity Match, a slightly more recent addition to the calendar in Speed Masters Athletics in Albania, and elite performances at the fifth edition of the Comeback 5000.
History continues at the Varsity Match
Cambridge’s Wilberforce Road track played host to the 150th men’s and 50th women’s Varsity Athletics Match on May 17th, with athletes from both Oxford and Cambridge universities battling for athletics glory, and bragging rights for the next 12 months.
With OpenTrack’s scoring functionality in heavy use, Cambridge men’s first team ran out victors by some margin (123.5 points to 86.5), as Oxford took the women’s fixture by nine points, while both second team matches fell to Cambridge on home turf.
Speed Masters Athletics returns
After an inaugural edition last May, Shkodër, Albania once again played host to Speed Masters Athletics. Part of the first official season of the European Masters Athletics (EMA) League, more than 500 competitors entered for four days of competition on track and in the field.
With athletes’ age graded performances being aggregated across the season as part of the EMA League, it was the UK’s Mensah Elliott who came away with the best score, a 14.78 in the 110m hurdles scoring him 96.02%.
Just as important was the social experience for masters athletes from across the world meeting up outside of their usual formal championships setting.
It's wholesome, it's very friendly, the social aspect is great, and the camaraderie is superb. The support from the spectators is universal, regardless of who you are and what country you're from - everyone is cheering for everyone else.
It's a great opportunity to introduce yourself into international competition in a way that’s not as intimidating as a championship.
Donald Brown, meeting announcer
Comeback 5000 turns 5
Born as one of the first elite post-lockdown meetings in the UK in 2021, Comeback 5000 returned Friday 23rd for their fifth edition, concluding as always with elite races for men and women.
In the women’s race, an in-form India Weir led home Lucy Jones, showing range after her 2:30:23 clocking at the London Marathon.
On the men’s side, there were plenty of PBs to share around as British Universities cross-country champion Tomer Tarragano beat a field where nine of the top 10 secured a PB.
Watch this space for more updates and details on how OpenTrack is being used by organisers at the top level across Europe and beyond!
As always, if you have any feedback, requests, or want help bringing your athletics into the 21st century, feel free to get in touch at info@opentrack.run.