Summer Track Series Takes Off!

Sporadic downpours definitely didn’t stop the most hardcore runners at the Narragansett Summer Youth Track Series on Monday night.

Though the turnout was nothing like the 602 kids that they had last week, according to director Brian McNeiece, there was a surprisingly large group of kids for such a wet evening.

McNeiece said that there were so many children that came last week that they ran out of t-shirts to hand out to the participants. 

“The idea behind this event is to promote fun more than anything,” McNeiece said. “Every kid will most likely be competitive but mostly we just want the kids to have fun.”

In it’s seventh year, the track series runs for five weeks on Monday nights. Registration begins each Monday at 5:30 p.m. It is open for children ages 1 to 13, and children can register at the track and come whatever weeks that they want to. 

Put on by the Narragansett Running Association and Belmont Market, the entire event is run by volunteers, and coordinated by McNeiece and his wife, Tammy, who also serves on the Narragansett School Committee. McNeiece also serves as the high school’s track coach, and is an active member in the Narragansett Running Association.

McNeiece says that there were 47 kids on the first night when they began the summer track series seven years ago. 

“It’s been progressive and we have seen the whole program grow every week,” McNeiece said. “It’s really exciting to see that Exeter and West Greenwich are creating a track series for their kids based on our programs and what we do here.”

Jamie Benz, whose daughter sang the national anthem at the beginning of the evening, says that although her kids are too old to participate, they are volunteering and helping run the program. 

“It’s not only an awesome experience for the kids who run but its great to see the volunteers work so hard,” Benz said. “It’s a win-win situation. Even if you are too old to run, you can volunteer and help out.”

Christine Hultquist, the mother of one participant and two volunteers, says that she and her family have been involved for all of the seven years that the track series has been happening. 

“This is such a great event and Tammy does a fantastic job organizing it every year,” Hultquist said. 

Even the runners wanted to share their thoughts on the night.

“I am 6 years old but I ran with the 7 year-olds because I missed the 100 meter in my age group, but I still came in second place,” said Macayla McAdam. “I want to be a runner when I grow up and be on a track team.”

Jessica Boutin, 5, also ran with the 6 year-olds and placed second in the 100-meter dash. 

“I like to do the long jump and I want to be a long jumper someday,” Boutin said.

Bella Williams, 6, placed second in her age group. 

“Running is my favorite,” Williams said. 

To have your children participate in the summer youth track series, go to Narragansett High School on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. to register.