This Sport Is Really Getting Back on Track

I was happy to see coverage of the Saddleback Masters Relays. Given demographic trends, Masters’ (over 40) track and running programs are expected to grow considerably in the years to come. But I do take issue to Martin Beck saying that track and field “is in bad shape in this country.”

Beck should know three things: Participation in track and running is booming, our national teams are the world’s best, and public interest in the sport is rising.

Track is the top junior high, high school, and college participatory sport in the U.S. More than 30 million Americans call themselves “runners.” Network coverage of track averaged a national rating of over 2.1 last year. By comparison, the NHL’s was 1.7, the WNBA’s 1.5, and Major League Soccer’s .9.

CRAIG A. MASBACK

CEO, USA Track & Field

Indianapolis