Western Relays cancelled amid track uncertainty at GC Foster

Plans for the annual Western Relays have been brought to a halt this year after organisers cited uncertainty surrounding the availability of the track at GC Foster Sports College in St Catherine for the event's upcoming forty seventh staging.

The announcement was made by the organising committee this morning.

"Due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of the track at GC Foster Sports College, we regret to announce the cancellation of the 2026 staging of the Western Relays," the organisers said.

One of the region's most highly anticipated track and field meets, the event has long been regarded as an important platform for boosting and showcasing athletic talent.

The annual meet was scheduled for Saturday, February 14.

According to the organisers, the track at GC Foster Sports College is slated to undergo resurfacing, but with no confirmed start date for the work, they were left with no alternative but to cancel the event.

They explained that track resurfacing typically takes three to four weeks to complete.

"Given this timeline, we felt it would be unreasonable to ask our loyal teams and supporters to wait without clarity on whether the meet could be staged within its traditional and allotted time frame," the organisers said.

They added that considering the extensive planning and logistics required to host the Western Relays, along with the lead time needed to properly accommodate the many teams that participate each year, there was little to no flexibility to proceed under such uncertain conditions.

"We sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all our stakeholders and look forward to returning with the Western Relays in 2027," the organisers added.

This would have been the eighth year that the Western Relays was scheduled to be staged in the eastern section of the island, as the Montego Bay Sports Complex track remains in need of repairs.

Previously called Comets Relays, the event has been held since 1978 on the second Saturday of February each year.

- Ashley Anguin

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