Hickory residents with a penchant for track and field, take note: The City of Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne University are pairing up once more for the annual Hickory Summer Track Series. The city's Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department and the university's athletic department will host the events which are slated to run every Thursday from June 5-26, from 6-9 p.m., offering a chance for local athletes and novices alike to test their mettle.
According to a recent announcement from the City of Hickory, the series are set to feature a range of track and field events including short sprints, middle distance, and long-distance races, as well as field events like jumping and throwing. Open to all ages with divisions ranging from '10 and under' to the veteran '60+ category', the events cater to a wide audience, allowing participants to garner points throughout the month-long series, giving them the chance to edge ahead in friendly competition.
For the sprinters and long-jumpers looking to take part, registration is open online for both the full series and individual event nights, with details available on the City of Hickory's website. Organizers have set the entry fee at $10 per night or a flat $30 for those committing to the entire series, though be advised, online service fees will apply. And for those who decide to sign up at the track, registration will be open until 6:30 p.m. each series night with a $5 increase in the fee, the city informs.
This is not just a test of speed and strength, but a chance to bond over the crack of the starter's pistol, the whir of accelerating feet, and the silence of focus before the jump. As Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne University cement their summer tradition – it's an open invitation to the community of Hickory, to breathe the track's air, and engage in the timeless thrill of athletic pursuit. The series will play out at Lenoir-Rhyne's outdoor track, found snugly at 625 Seventh Avenue Place NE in Hickory.
