To some, winning a Penn Relays Gold Watch is a goal just as, and even sometimes moreso important than winning a national championship.  Watches are awarded only to the overall American winners in Championship of America events at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, kicking off for the 118th time next Thursday at Franklin Field.  In some cases, most notably the sprints, it is harder to win a spot on the top of the medal stand than it is to win a national championship.  This fact is because of the international draw the relays bring to Philly; currently, there are 62 schools registered that are not from the United States, with Jamaica the most represented foreign country with 32 individual schools.  For some, winning a watch means beating the world. While the main events remain the short relays, specifically the 4x100m and 4x400m, the distance relays and open events are available on an invite basis.  And with the the high quality meet comes a high caliber field in each of the 4 invitational distance events.  We broke down the competition to help you see where the action may take place.

To some, winning a Penn Relays Gold Watch is a goal just as, and even sometimes moreso important than winning a national championship.  Watches are awarded only to the overall American winners in Championship of America events at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, kicking off for the 118th time next Thursday at Franklin Field.  In some cases, most notably the sprints, it is harder to win a spot on the top of the medal stand than it is to win a national championship.  This fact is because of the international draw the relays bring to Philly; currently, there are 62 schools registered that are not from the United States, with Jamaica the most represented foreign country with 32 individual schools.  For some, winning a watch means beating the world. While the main events remain the short relays, specifically the 4x100m and 4x400m, the distance relays and open events are available on an invite basis.  And with the the high quality meet comes a high caliber field in each of the 4 invitational distance events.  We broke down the competition to help you see where the action may take place.

Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with middle-distance standout Alexis Panisse from Benjamin Cardozo HS in New York.  Alexis was the first Foot Locker finalist from NY City and continued her success indoors. (Photo by Don Rich)

As the season begins to pick up, the times are beginning to drop.  The official team release lists for the Penn Relays have now been released, and teams are starting their prep work for the relay-oriented event.  Sunday morning brought a welcome sight, as the New York State Leaderboard had gotten some very impressive times.  With such an onslaught of information, we decided to breakdown the biggest updates for you.  Be sure to check us out on facebook at www.facebook.com/milesplitny , as well as on our twitter page at www.twitter.com/milesplitny .  We will begin our live updates again starting next weekend, so stay tuned for all the coverage.

Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with NY thrower Rudy Winkler from Averill Park HS in New York.  Rudy recently threw the Hammer a US#4 All-Time distance of 248-5 at the Sam Howell meet in NJ.  Rudy is ready to go this season and lets you know all about it below! (Photo by Jack Labriola)

Catch up with Collegians.  New Yorkers in College Meets over the Weekend.

We know there have been many questions regarding this year's Nike Track Nationals event and wanted to share this note from Nike."We can confirm that there will not be a Nike Track Nationals event this year. We are still committed to youth runners through a variety of programs and events and thank everyone who has participated in NTN."All of the archives will remain viewable at NikeTrackNationals.com 2011 Webcast Replays | Results | Photos2010 Webcast Rep (via RunnerSpace.com)

Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with distance sensation Mary Cain from Bronxville HS in New York.  Mary has run 4:46.91 for One Mile and 2:06.44 for 800m.  Watch out for Mary as the season rolls on! (Photo by Don Rich)

March 09, 2012 - March 11, 2012 @ The Armory Track & Field Center in New York, NY (via MileSplit United States)

Alexis Panisse had already run 4,000 meters before getting to the 4x800-meter relay. When she took the baton for the anchor leg, Cardozo was in fourth place and she was half a lap behind the leader, Port Richmond. (via NY Daily News)

In the third episode of The Fit Runner our host is Dr. Giddeon J. Lewis, foot and ankle specialist, and Chairman of the MileSplit Medical Advisory Board. Joining Dr. Lewis to talk about "Heel Pain" are professional triathletes Jarrod Shoemaker and Alicia Kaye, along with University of Central Florida athletic trainer Jennifer Perez. The group will discuss causes of heel pain as well as preventative tips. This is the latest episode in our series on being a fit runner.

NEW YORK -- When USA Track and Field sprinters Walter Dix and Carmelita Jeter line up in the starting blocks in London this summer, they'll do so wear (via ESPN.com)

The Millrose Games, held for the first time at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, is one of the most prestigious meets of the Winter season.  It regularly compiles some of the East Coast's best high school middle distance talent to compete in the iconic Millrose Mile.   In anticipation of the event, Milesplit NY decided to ask each qualifier two specific questions:  What does qualifying for this event mean to you, and what are you doing to prepare?

Manhattan NY - Track and field was back at the Madison Square Garden as usual this weekend. But for the first time, the action was held under a new name, with a slimmed down schedule, and in a renovated venue.

The Millrose Games are moving to the Armory this year, but the CHSAA is keeping its best relays at Madison Square Garden after a scheduling tiff between the league and the uptown track and field center. (via NY Daily News)

David Oliver trains at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World in Orlando with famed coach Brooks Johnson. He focuses on the fundamentals while looking toward the London Olympic Games.

The Invitational 4x800 lists have been released, and meet directors are waiting for your confirmation.

New  York NY - The mile is a classic distance.  About 8 meters longer than the now standard 1600m, the mile recently has seen a movement encouraging its' return.  There is even a website dedicated to this very thing, petitioning high school sports to return to the classic distance.  And if there ever was any indication that the mile was still alive, the fields for the mile at the upcoming US Open, New Balance Grand Prix, and Millrose would be it.  See if your favorite made the cut.

Meet directors of the New Balance Grand Prix announced the high school fields on Wednesday afternoon, with the boys and girls mile races highlighting the prep action.  In years past, the race has focused on athletes from New England and the New York Metro area, but this year’s field has expanded to include athletes from as far away as North Carolina.