New track under construction at McMaster University

McMaster is getting a state-of-the-art running track.

Gone is the old track surface and infield just behind Ron Joyce Stadium. In it’s place right now is a mass of dirt and heavy machinery, at work on what will be a new eight lane track and FieldTurf infield.

The new all-weather track will be a Mondo surface. Mondo, an Italian company, is considered among the best track surface manufactures in the world, having made the tracks for multiple Olympic games surfaces and other international calibre tracks around the world.

Before being demolished the old track had fallen into disrepair. It was unavailable for public use and had turned into little more than a battered oval for joggers to do laps.

The new track, coupled with McMaster’s two other surfaces, will allow the university to again become a hosting destination for various sporting events.

There is also talk of bringing back a series of twilight track meets — popular series that ran in the mid-to-late 90’s.

Most importantly, this track will play an important role in fostering and building a culture of running in Hamilton. It will attract high level recruits to McMaster, and keep them there throughout the year to train and race.

McMaster’s track and field coach and former Olympian Paula Schnurr told the Hamilton Spectator, “They’ll be able to stay during the summer and compete at the club level. We have a great training centre.”

The plan is for the track to be completed by the beginning of September, just in time for the beginning of the school year.

The track has yet to be named and the details surrounding it’s funding, as well as it’s availability to the public, will be announced later this month.