Following the success of the IOMAA Sports Hall Heptathlon Athletics Trials, Manx Harriers hosted their first Sports Hall Pentathlon event at St Ninians High School on Monday 15th November. Peter Kaneen UKA Coach at Manx Harriers said, “This was a fantastic event, which really kept the children active from start to finish. This sort of event really brings the club together. It was great to see so many coaches, officials, parents and senior athletes all pulling together to ensure the event ran smoothly and that the children had lots of fun.” 26 young athletes took part in the fun packed occasion which featured running, jumping and throwing events. Performance times and distances were converted to pentathlon points, giving each athlete their own pentathlon award based on the popular AVIVA UKA Academy awards ladder. After completing the long jump, chest push, hi-stepper shuttle and speed bounce, the Sports Hall was cleared to make way for the ever popular Javelin throw which uses specially designed indoor foam javelins. The event was open to all and in addition to Manx Harriers Athletes, representatives from Northern AC and the Southern Athletic Squad took part in what was a fast paced event giving the athletes a taste of the various athletic disciplines. Trevor Christian Athletics Development Officer said, “It is excellent to see children enjoy this exciting format of athletics, which allows children to take part in the sport in a warm, safe and fun environment during the cold and wet winter months.” The next Pentathlon event will take place at Ramsey Grammar School where Northern AC will host their first event. This will hopefully see Sports Hall Athletics become a popular annual fixture on the junior athletics calendar. For details on how to get involved with athletics either as an athlete or volunteer coach or official, please contact Trevor Christian, Athletics Development Officer on 688592 or email trevor.christian@gov.im. -Ends-