Not your traditional track meet: Racers pass through a bar on each lap
The Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m PB, which acted as the British Olympic Trials, featured a bar on the back stretch of the track.
The Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m PB, a competition in London which served as the British Olympic Trials for that distance, added a twist to what’s considered a traditional track meet on May 21. On the back stretch, there was a bar, which runners passed through on each of their 25 laps, filled with spectators.
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Alcohol was sold in the homemade structure that served as the meet’s beer tent. Spectators were also able to crowd all but two lanes of the track as they were just metres away from the action. There was also a live steel band playing in the background to keep runners motivated throughout their 25-lap races.
First-hand footage of the meet and the beer tent can be seen below:
8 laps to go for the leaders! #Highgate10k pic.twitter.com/Msvpdi0fRY
— Marathon Talk (@marathontalk) May 21, 2016
The first two athletes, with qualifying standard, in the men’s and women’s races earned a spot on the British Olympic team for Rio. Jess Andrews (31:58) won the women’s race in an 83-second PB and Ross Millington (28:28) won the men’s race. Mo Farah, the reigning Olympic champion, did not compete but is still expected to be named to the team.
Millington said after the race that the event had the best atmosphere he’s seen at a track competition. The meet was free for spectators.
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Alcohol being served at a track competition is not uncommon in Europe as many meets, regardless of size, offer either a beer tent or beverages at the concession stands. Diamond League meets in Europe, for example, are often held at venues that serve alcoholic beverages.
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More footage of the race and the beer tent:
Last lap action from @ross_millington scorching to 28min 28sec victory. #nightofthe10kPBs pic.twitter.com/EM12RlPMpn
— Marathon Talk (@marathontalk) May 21, 2016
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