Borders athletes make July diary note for New Year Sprint

The East Lothian Athletics Arena, at Meadowmill Sports Centre, near Prestonpans has been booked to hold the 152nd New Year Sprint meeting on Sunday, July 4.

News of a date has been long awaited, with the event deferred from the turn of 2021 in the hope that Covid-19 restrictions might be eased enough over the following months to allow more athletes to travel and, if possible, for spectators to be admitted.

One local club, TLJT, said on its Facebook page: “According to the Scottish Government's roadmap, all being well, all restrictions relating to the pandemic should have been lifted, allowing spectators to join in and enjoy the excitement.

"So, athletes, get those spikes out and brushed down ready for action!”

The draw for the heats will take place at the same venue on Sunday, May 16.

It will be held as part of a Zoom meeting for which there are 80 places available on a first-come-first-served basis. To apply for a place, would-be entrants are asked to email Bill Walker at [email protected] by May 14 and be sure to include their name. The Zoom meeting is due to open at 12.30pm. Groups such as TLJT Athletics Club have been taking advantage of the opportunities to return to training at Tweedbank.

Meanwhile, scottishathletics has reminded athletes generally that regulations are due to change again on April 26.