Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
As head coach for the Yelm High School boys cross country team and a long distance coach on YHS’s track team, Alex McIntire has long had a vision of creating a culture of running.
His efforts are paying off, as for the second consecutive year a “Speed Night” will be hosted in Yelm for runners of all ages to come out and compete. This year, the Yelm Distance Running nonprofit is hosting the event.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 and will occur on YHS’s track. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/2jsyp47n.
“I am extremely excited for the second annual Speed Night at Yelm High School. At this point, eight days before the event, we have already matched the number of entries we received total for last year,” McIntire told the NVN. “Last year was so much fun. There was great energy under the lights at the YHS stadium, and I have to think it can only be better with more participation. We are really trying to make this an event the community can look forward to.”
McIntire added this year’s Speed Night will feature additional events, such as hurdles, javelin, discus and shot put, and several food trucks for those in attendance.
The longtime coach believes that track and field is a wonderful sport because anyone, regardless of age, can do it.
“All you have to do is put on your shoes and show up,” he said. “I would love to see all groups represented, from the most elite athletes, (to) grandparents looking to have fun with the family. Everyone is welcome. The purpose behind this event and the TSD summer track clinic is to build a love for the sport and elevate track and field in our area. I think fun events like this are the best way to do that.”
The coach added that he and the Yelm Distance Running nonprofit are inspired to make this year’s Speed Night “feel like a celebration of track and field.” He’s hopeful the competitive atmosphere under the lights, with fans lining the track with glow sticks, will help enhance the overall experience.
The nonprofit organization is expecting multiple track clubs from throughout the South Sound to join speed night. McIntire reiterated that all age groups and abilities are welcome and will be represented.
“This will truly be an inclusive event that anyone can enjoy,” he said. “In my time as a high school and community coach, I have watched this sport change lives. We have coaches traveling from all over the South Sound to invest in this community and its young athletes. I have not lost sight of the fact that that is something really special. I am proud to be a part of the Yelm track and field community. This investment in our young people will go far beyond the track. I always say, it takes the whole village to build our young people. Our community of athletes, parents, coaches and local organizations are proving that the village is strong.”
