With the state of the art indoor facility at Athlone IT almost ready, it adds a new dimension to this year’s indoor track and field season. The season kicks off next weekend with the

• National multi-events (long jump, high jump, shot putt, hurdles and 800m) on Sat 26th

These are for athletes ages U14 to U114! Closing date is Monday so anyone taking part needs to let me know quickly … I will be doing the entries on Sunday night.

Program for the day is here.

• AAI Games (a full program of track & field for U17 athletes and older) on Sun 27th

This is a National senior competition but athletes aged U17 and older can take part.There are no finals and no medals – athletes just compete in their chosen events for a time, distance, height etc.

A full program is available including all the jumping events, race walk, 800m, 1500 and 3000m, and the sprints. There is also a 4x200m.

Again, anyone taking part needs to let me know quickly as I will be doing the entries Sunday night.

• National Masters Indoors, Sat 9th Feb – program.

Please use link at AAI web site for online entry.

• National U20 and U23 Indoors, Sun 10th Feb – program.

U17s and older can compete as U20s. I will be reminding athletes again for this competition but all of our athletes in these age groups should be thinking of taking part.

• National Seniors, Sat/Sun 16th and 17th Feb – program

Again, U17s and older can take part in senior events. This event will appeal also to many people from a spectating perspective. Its an opportunity to see Ireland’s top athletes in action and its only over the road. And you don’t even get wet! Not sure the entry fees to watch but I am sure it will be priced to encourage a large audience.