Coronation runner Ernesto Checkel ran into the CARA Invitational track and field meet record books last week in Stettler.
Checkel, son of Clearview School Division chairman Ken Checkel, won the intermediate boys’ (Grade 8) 800-metre race in record time, 2:25.27.
He broke a 17-year-old record (2:29.66) that Clayton Rock of Gadsby set in 1996.
It was a banner day for Checkel, who also won his 400-and 1,500-metre races in the regional championships for Central Alberta schools.
Meet director Charisse McDonald of Stettler Middle School said the CARA meet records go as far back as 1975.
“This year, we had about 150 athletes participating,” McDonald said.
“This track meet has been opened up to any schools who would like to come, and the last two years, Delburne has brought over 40 athletes and has done very well.
“We hope, over time, the meet will grow in numbers. We would like to see this meet become the CWAJHAA meet, as it hasn’t been done in many years. This late in the (school) year, it’s difficult to get kids and schools to commit, so CWAJHAA hasn’t run a track meet.”