Mammoth Lakes, CA, Feb. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (February 29, 2012)--The Mammoth Lakes Track and Field project, a major step in helping the Olympic and elite athletes who train at Mammoth Lakes as well as drawing other top athletes to the area, moves into the final planning stages with groundbreaking for Phase 1 anticipated by early summer, pending $300,000 in remaining funding.
Located near the Mammoth-Yosemite Airport off Hwy. 395, the track will be situated at an ideal elevation for high-altitude training--7100 feet above sea level--within the window for best aerobic conditioning for all types of endurance sports such as running and triathlon training. The first phase of the project includes the polyurethane track, all field events and synthetic turf infield, a jogging path, and terraced seating.
The project has a number of green features including both the track and synthetic turf made from recycled tires from California. The synthetic turf will ensure low-water use on the field. In addition, organizers of the project are hoping to power the locker rooms and concession stand, part of phase 2, by solar panels on the roof.
"Mammoth Lakes is the Mecca for high-altitude training and the new track is one of the missing pieces to draw even more athletes to our area," said John Urdi. Executive Director, Mammoth Lakes Tourism. "Runners from all over the world call to find out about the training here, but often they won't come because we lack the facilities to train for many track and field disciplines. We’re pleased to support the financial needs of the project and raise awareness to generate the additional funds required to break ground."
The Eastern Sierra destination is home to a number of elite athletes who find the many roads and trails the perfect high-altitude training ground. The track will be a vital asset for local athletes such:
- Meb Keflezighi, who won the 2012 US Olympic Marathon Trials
- Morgan Uceny, ranked number in the world at 1500m and a medalist favorite at the London Olympics
- Josh Cox, who shattered his own US Record in the 50K by more than 7 minutes in Phoenix last January, missing the World Record by just seven seconds
- Olympic Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor, who set a new course record in 2011 while winning the Rock n Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon
- Amy Hastings, who placed fourth in the 2012 Olympic Trials and second in the 2011 LA Marathon
Aside from world-class athletes, the Mammoth Lakes Track and Field project will also play host to high schools and clubs for both tournaments and training. It will also provide a venue for the growing number of elite triathletes such as Ironman contender Chris Lieto and 2011 Xterra Women’s World Champion Leslie Patterson.
$1.5 of the anticipated $1.8 million in funding required has already been raised from the Town of Mammoth Lakes, individuals, corporations and grants from Mammoth Lakes Tourism and California Integrated Waste Management Board.
For more information about sponsorship or donation opportunities for the Mammoth Lakes Track and Field project, visit www.mammothtrackproject.org.