ORONO – More than 1,000 athletes ages 30 and older will gather at the Beckett Family Track and Field Complex at the University of Maine for the 35th annual USA Track & Field National Masters Championships, Aug. 8-11.

UMaine last hosted the event in 1998, when it drew 1,061 competitors and 3,300 visitors from 10 countries and 48 states and had an economic impact of nearly $2 million. This year’s meet is expected to attract even more people, including world and American record holders.

“The 1998 USATF National Masters Championships have been labeled one of the very best, if not the very best, National Masters Championships in its history,” said Rolland Ranson, meet director and an assistant cross-country and track coach at UMaine. “The absolutely wonderful weather, inspiring scenic setting and Mainers’ Down East friendliness and caring were key components.”

The UMaine athletic department will manage the meet in collaboration with the Maine Association of USATF. It is open to men and women age 30 and older. Athletes compete in five-year age groups, with medals awarded to the first three finishers in each event. The competition starts at 7:30 a.m. each day.

No qualifying standards are required except USATF registration, which will be available on site. Proof of date of birth, such as a photocopy of a birth certificate or a passport, must be included with registration.

International competitors may enter as guests without USATF registration and will receive equal place awards. Athletes from Maine are encouraged to register.

Already, athletes from Bulgaria, India, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, England and many states have registered. Top competitors include 81-year-old Bob Chase of Shapleigh, an American record holder in the hammer throw; former Olympic thrower Tom Gage of Billings, Montana; Phil Raschker, a world-class multi-event athlete from Atlanta; and Dartmouth College coach Carl Wallin, who will be aiming for the world record in the shot put in the 60-65 age group.

The meet also attracts some of the nation’s top track and field officials. In 1998, 48 Olympic officials were present in what was the largest gathering of Olympic officials since the 1996 Olympics. This year, more than 148 officials will be on hand, including many with Olympic experience.

“When I attended the USA national track and field convention this past December, a number of delegates stated that the USATF National Masters Championships should only be held in two places in the USA – Oregon, the nation’s home of track and field – and Maine,” said Don Berry, the meet’s director of officials.

For information, call Ranson at 581-1077 or mainetrackfield@yahoo.com.

The schedule of events for each day is:

Thursday, Aug. 8:

Men’s and women’s 5,000 meter run, finals;

Men’s and women’s 400 meter run, prelims;

Men’s and women’s 800 meter run, prelims;

Men’s and women’s pentathlon;

Men’s and women’s shot put;

Men’s (age 60 and older) and women’s pole vault.

Friday, Aug. 9:

Men’s and women’s 5,000 meter racewalk, track finals;

Men’s and women’s 100 meter dash, prelims;

Men’s and women’s steeplechase, finals;

Men’s and women’s 400 meter run, finals;

Men’s and women’s high hurdles, prelims and finals;

Men’s and women’s 1,500 meter run, prelims as needed;

Men’s and women’s 100 meter dash, round two, if necessary;

Men’s and women’s discus;

Men’s pole vault (ages 50-59);

Men’s high jump (ages 30-49);

Men’s (age 60 and older) and women’s long jump.

Saturday, Aug. 10

Men’s and women’s 10,000 meter run, finals;

Men’s and women’s 100 meter dash, finals;

Men’s and women’s 800 meter run, finals;

Men’s and women’s 200 meter dash, prelims;

Men’s and women’s javelin;

Men’s (ages 30-49) pole vault;

Men’s (ages 50 and older) and women’s high jump;

Men’s (ages 30-59) long jump.

Sunday, Aug. 11

Men’s and women’s 10,000 racewalk, road finals;

Men’s and women’s 200 meter dash, round two, if necessary;

Men’s and women’s 1,500 meter run, finals;

Men’s and women’s hurdles, finals;

Men’s and women’s 200 meter dash, finals.

Relays

Men’s and women’s hammer throw;

Men’s and women’s triple jump.