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About Us

About

The Marlton Track Club is comprised of both a track and field program, as well as a cross country team and is a part of the GSTAF (Garden State Track and Filed Association). Track and field events are completed during the spring season and cross country runs during the fall.

Both track and field and cross country practice twice a week with meets or races scheduled once a week (usually a Friday evening or Saturday morning). Athletes will be a member of a larger team of individuals, broken down by age level and/or ability. The Marlton Track Club gladly welcomes athletes of ALL ability and skill level!

Age Requirements 

Tracks meets have a reputation for being longer than many other traditional sporting events and games. Due to this factor Marlton Track Club athletes must be 6 by the start of the track season. If your child is under 6 please contact us 

 

Age Birth year
8 and under 2010 - 2013
9 -1 0 year olds 2008 - 2009
12 - 11 year olds 2006 - 2007
13 year olds 2005
14 year olds 2004
15 year olds 2003
16 year olds 2002
17 year olds 2001

 

What to Bring to a Track Meet

Track meets are much more enjoyable when families are prepared! The following are important to bring to each track meet:

  • Sunscreen
  • Chairs or blankets
  • Plenty of water
  • Snacks and lunch (although food and drinks are usually available for purchase)
  • Activities to keep kids occupied. Many families allow children to bring electronic devices but social activities like card games, coloring or drawing supplies, mad libs, yo-yo’s and related items help get the kids socializing and having fun!

Differences Between Cross Country and Track

While a number of Marlton Track Club athletes participate in both cross country and track and field, there are a number of differences. The most notable difference is where the events are held. Track and field events are run on traditional track, which field events on site. Cross country events are run on grass, using a pre-determined race course. Track and field distances vary depending upon the preference and skill of the athlete. There are events ranging from 100 meters, all the way to 3,000 meters. Field events include such events as long jump, high jump, discus, shot put and turbo javelin. Cross Country races are generally 1.5 miles, 1.62 miles or 2 miles in length.

What to Expect From a Track Meet

What to Expect From a Track Meet

Track meets have a tendency to be longer than many other sporting events. Events cannot be run simultaneously so there is often a good amount of “down time.” This is a great time for athletes to socialize and relax. While meets can sometimes take as long as 5-6 hours, if you are prepared they can be a lot of fun. Most meets begin around 8am and last until the early afternoon. How long you will need to stay depends largely upon the events your athlete participates in. Some families will stay for 2-3 hours, while other may stay for the full 5-6.

Running Events

 

The Sprints

100 meters – The straightaway of a regulation size track

4 x 100 meter relay – An event where 4 team members run a 100-meter race, handing off a baton to their teammate at the completion of their 100-meter portion.

200 meters - The straightaway and one curve of a regulation size track

400 meters – One compete regulation size track (2 curves and 2 straightaways)

4 x 400 meter relay - An event where 4 team members run a 400-meter race, handing off a baton to their teammate at the completion of their 400-meter portion.

800 meters – Two compete regulation size tracks (4 curves and 4 straightaways)

4 x 800 meter relay - An event where 4 team members run a 800-meter race, handing off a baton to their teammate at the completion of their 800 meter portion.

Hurdling – Races of varying distances where runners hurdle over hurdles of heights that vary depending upon age.

The Distance Races

1,500 meters – Four laps of a regulation size track minus a 100 meters.

3,000 meters – Eight laps of a regulation size track minus 200 meters.

What to Expect From a Cross Country Race

Cross country races are much shorter than track meets. They generally begin around 8am and last 1-2 hours. Warm ups are generally an hour before the posted start time and generally races take 10-15 minutes.

Field Events

 

Shot Put – Athletes use a specific throwing position to throw a weighted round ball as far as possible. Weights vary depending upon age.

Discus - Athlete throws a heavy disc—called a discus—as far as possible.

Long Jump - From a running start, athletes jump as far as possible into a sand pit.

High Jump - Athletes jump over a bar that is raised until only one competitor can jump over it without knocking down the bar.

Turbo Javelin – An event that mimics the traditional javelin throw, where athletes use a specific motion to throw a plastic turbo javelin as far as possible.