The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

2011 May Race Series kicks off soon with 6 Mile Relay

William James
The Broadside

The eighth annual Six Mile Relay kicks off the 2011 May Race Series at Central Oregon Community College beginning on Thursday, May 5.

Relay races are a huge part of track and field competition, and one of the more hotly contested events in athletic competition—especially in the Summer Olympic with the United States producing over 300 gold medalists in various track and field competitions. This particular relay will be held at the COCC track and cover a total of six miles.

Intramural Sports Director Bill Douglass says that out of all the races in this series, “This race involves probably the least amount of people, but lots of returning competitors who have done this race before are going to be in it … We expect probably about 20-25  teams.”

Participants have the option of forming two, three or four person teams, even five or six person teams if they so desire, and when the race begins each runner must alternate every one fourth of a mile until the entire six mile race is completed.

“When you’re sprinting six laps it turns out to be a lot harder than you think,” said Jonathan Kennedy, a COCC student who participated in the event last year. “Your whole team is running as hard as they can.”

One of the toughest things about a relay race, according to Kennedy, is pacing yourself.

“People wind themselves with the first burst of speed when the race starts,” Kennedy said. “My coach during power circuit training taught us that you want to run your best lap at the end of the race and pace yourself before then.”

Kennedy also advised runners to keep well hydrated so that they will not cramp and to eat well before the race happens so racers do not run on an empty stomach.

Awards will be presented to the teams who finish first in the two, three and four person categories, which include sweatshirts for the first place finishers. There will also be refreshments available at the track and about 15 to 20 raffle prizes will also be given away.

If you are interested in participating in any of the races in the 2011 May Race Series visit the Club and Intramural Sports office located in Mazama Hall to pick up a registration sheet.

William James can be reached at [email protected]

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU GO:Where:
Athletic Field Track

When:
May 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Race type:
Relay, teams can consist of 2, 3 or
4 persons.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO RACE:

Where to sign up:
Mazama room 103 Bill Douglass’s
office

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