Over 360 athletes register for National Senior, Junior and Youth Track and Field Championships

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is bracing for an unprecedented surge in numbers as the country’s elite track and field athletes shift into peak gear ahead of the premier domestic event of the year.

The National Seniors, Youth, and Juniors Track and Field Championships have been locked in for Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28.

Over the three-day window, the National Track and Field Facility will host a bumper schedule with stakes higher than ever, serving as a platform for local athletes aiming to book their spots on the global stage later this year.

Among those are the World U-20 Championships in Oregon from August 5-9 and even the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 – August 2.

In a major structural shift, the AAG has opted to merge the three distinct tiers—Youth, Junior, and Senior—into one single mega-event.

Organisers revealed the amalgamation is aimed specifically at attracting bigger numbers and creating a more vibrant, competitive atmosphere.

AAG official Tryone Smith indicated at the launch on Monday that the decision followed direct feedback from local clubs, who pointed out that the previous fragmented timeline often left many senior athletes unavailable to compete.

14 clubs have already registered their rosters, with organisers looking forward to welcoming more clubs and overseas athletes before the final entry windows close.

More than 360 athletes have secured their spots on the registration sheets so far.

While Smith noted that participation in these championships is not mandatory for national athletes to retain their status, the competitive incentive remains massive.

If athletes achieve the strict qualification marks during the three-day meet, it opens the direct pathway to attend major international events.

Moreover, he indicated that the official opening will be on Saturday, graced by the presence of the Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.

Adding serious star power to the entries is the confirmation of high-profile overseas-based talent. Malachi Austin, the overseas-based national 400m record holder, has officially registered to compete on home soil.

He will be joined by middle-distance collegiate standout Alliyah Moore, alongside a highly competitive contingent of other foreign-based and top locally based athletes.

Cash prizes of $40,000, $30,000, and $20,000 are on the line for the top three finishers in the senior categories.

Adult tickets cost $1000, while children under 12 and athletes are free.