Meet Information
Due to the uncertainties surrounding fall athletics and the current at-best start date of Sept. 1 set by the NCHSAA, we are currently postponing this year's Early Bird Invitational. Furthermore, the unknowns prevent us from setting a make-up weekend. We hope that we will not have to cancel, but that has become very likely. If you have questions or have any opinions as to potential make-up weekends, please contact me at mcostantino@wcpss.net. My apologies for any inconvenience.
What: The 11th Annual Wendell Park Early Bird Invitational. It is a four race, 5K cross country invitational that is open to all high school teams and individual athletes. The four races are Mens Championship, Womens Championship, Mens Open, and Womens Open.
Where: Wendell Park and Community Center in Wendell, NC
When: Saturday, August 29, 2020. The first race--Men's Championship-- begins at 8:00 AM, followed by the Women's Championship at 8:45, Men's Open at 9:30, and Women's Open at 10:30.
How Many: The championship races are limited to seven entries (seven men, seven women per school) while the open races have unlimited entries.
Cost: $30 per race or $100 for all four; $10 per individual; checks payable to East Wake Warriors Booster Club.
The Course: A spectator-friendly 5K cross country course. It has been used for this Invitational before as well as all GNR conference championships, the 2010 Eastern 4A Regional, and numerous charity 5Ks. It has three parts: a 300 yard start, a 1.45 mile loop the athletes will run twice, and a 300 yard finish. Over 95% of the course is either grassy field or wooded trail. Course speed is close to true, having a course rating of +11.00s at 16:00m on NC Mile Split.
Awards: Top teams in the championship races receive a plaque; top teams in the open races--per tradition--receive brownies; top 10 finishers in each race receives a medal. Believe it or not, the brownies make people the most excited.
Parking: Available in the park for team buses. Spectator parking on site is limited but usually more than enough for everyone.