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New portable track brings racing to obscure Canadian venues

We could be looking at a future where track races take place during festivals or on the roads.

Rio track stadium
Rio track stadium
The Mondo track being assembled ahead of the Rio Games. Photo: Scott Russell.

Track competitions in Canada just got way more exciting. 

An Athletics Canada partnership which was announced earlier this week means that the organization has got their hands on a portable track. Having a portable track at the ready is going to lead to Athletics Canada holding track meets at obscure locations. In other words, the running scene across the country is about to get a heck of a lot cooler– not to mention, more accessible to spectators.

Those who are into this development have AC’s partnership with Mondo to thank. 

RELATED: Photos: The world’s seven most bizarre tracks

Mondo, is a brand name that has become synonymous to quality track surfaces. The company is a leader in track and field and indoor sports flooring. In fact, Mondo is the maker of the tracks and competition surfaces of the past 11 Olympics– since the 1992 Barcelona Games. If that doesn’t give them enough bragging rights, then the fact that 260 world records have been set on Mondo tracks should earn them a massive amount of respect. 

So now that they have teamed up with Athletics Canada, what can we expect? 

This is going to lead to track races being held in locations that aren’t necessarily track-specific. Think malls, events, festivals, street parties, celebrations, etc. If in the past spectators had to gather in a stadium, that’s no longer going to be the case. Chief executive officer of Athletics Canada, Rob Guy, says that this will make athletics– specifically track– events more accessible, and more fun, for the public.

“Street events are a major part of our strategic plan to increase awareness and excitement for our sport and our athletes as well as bring something new to the table for corporate partners. We are already working with communities across Canada to bring the sport to unique landmarks, major events and other interesting locales,” he said. 

As we move forward in learning more about this partnership, Mathieu Gentès of Athletics Canada outlines their specific goals. They want to see elite athletes performing their best while being at a close range to their fans. 

“Our goal is to stage events where Canadian athletes, such as sprinter Andre De Grasse, high jumper Derek Drouin and pole vaulter Shawn Barber, can show off the sport and be literally within arm’s length of fans and spectators,” said Gentès.

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