Organisers upbeat about new Gibson McCook Relays format

RYAN Peralto, a member of the Gibson McCook Relays Organising Committee, is very upbeat about this year's staging of the event despite it being held in a truncated format.

Peralto is in charge of registration for the 49th staging of Jamaica's premier relays carnival which will feature finals only. Action will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. This is unlike previous years -- except for 2022 due to COVID-19 -- when the competition usually started at 9:30 a.m. and concluded at 8:30 p.m.

"This year we have decided to change the format at the Gibson McCook Relays, as we have done away with the whole-day schedule where we had preliminary rounds in the morning session before starting the finals in the late afternoon," said Peralto.

"After the COVID meet, and since 2023, we have been thinking about changing the format, and I think this is the right time to do so. There is a mixed reaction from coaches, as some of the senior coaches believe this is the right way to go, while high school coaches are disappointed because they wanted to get as much exposure as possible for their athletes in the preliminary rounds," he shared.

Unlike the COVID-affected meet in 2022, he believes this time around will be different in terms of spectator support.

"In 2022, there were several protocols in place for fans to attend the meet, but this time that will not be the case, and we are expecting a big crowd in just over four hours of good entertainment for the fans," Peralto added.

Asked how teams will qualify for this year's staging, his response was: "Based on last year's results, we will be inviting the top eight teams for each event, and we will make a few tweaks along the way." Peralto added that teams outside the top eight can still register, and they will take it from there.

Peralto revealed that the Mixed Relays, which were introduced last year, will not take place at the February 28 meet.

"We will not be having the Mixed Relays this year, but we will have all the usual individual events, including the 60 metres, which was a success last year," said Peralto who stated that athletes will get world ranking points in individual events

Peralto urged fans to come out in their numbers to support the meet.

"Tickets will go on sale online very soon, and I am hoping the fans will turn out in large numbers as usual to support this year's staging, as they will definitely enjoy this new format," he said.

The meet will begin with the under-12 boys prep schools 4x100m final at 4 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. with the 4x400 metres for high school boys.