Come and run with the pack in Marysville

Published 11:27 pm Thursday, July 23, 2009

MARYSVILLE — Anyone who’s ever fantasized about setting record time in the 800-meter run — or just would like to try their hand at the shot put — has an opportunity over the next few weeks.

The city’s third annual All-Comers Track Meet began Thursday and is scheduled for 6 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 13 at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

The event has grown since its first year — and grows from week to week each summer, city of Marysville athletic coordinator Dave Hall said. In the fourth week last year, 150 people showed up.

“Everybody has a ball,” he said.

The cost to enter is only $3 per week, and there’s no restriction on age or the number of times anyone may participate.

The idea came to city officials after speaking to those in Bellingham and in cities in Skagit County where they held the meets and the events went well, Hall said. It also works hand-in-hand with the city’s Healthy Communities program.

Young people may compete against old in the same event, or against others of similar age, depending on how many people are present, Hall said. The same goes for women and men, boys and girls.

There usually are several heats for running events, but there is no ultimate “winner,” he said.

If you’re an 80-year-old man running with five 20-somethings, Hall said, “you’re still just competing with yourself and that record board.”

The city keeps track of the records in each event, dating back to the first year.

“We’re setting records every week,” Hall said. Some people come back to try to beat their own times.

While many participants are record-conscious, “it’s very family-friendly, probably as noncompetitive as it could be,” he said. “Most people are there to have fun and compete against themselves.”

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439, sheets@heraldnet.com.

Join the fun every Thursday

Running events: 50-, 100-, 110-meter hurdles; 50-, 100-, 200-, 400-, 800-, 1,600-meter runs; jogger’s mile; 400-meter relay; long-distance run at end of each event.

Field events: Long jump, standing long jump, high jump, softball throw, shot put.

To participate: The cost is $3 per week. Register at the city Parks and Recreation office, 6915 Armar Road, or at the event at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, 5611 108th St. NE, Marysville.