Ok for a non-student to run intervals at lunchtime at a HS track?

most schools that do not want to have their track used by the public will usually have a NOT FOR PUBLIC USE, DO NOT TRESSPASS sign or a locked gate. If no sign and the gate is wide open, I wouldn't bother asking.

In Florida we have the Jessica Lundsford (sp?) Act. Which stipulates all guests on campus must be checked in. If you are in FLorida I would NOT go on to that track during school hours.

If its public, go for it. At our very nice track facility, there are always runners and walkers out at all times of the day. It is very heavily used.

whatchathink, I can't believe you posted this today of all days! I too had the same question in my mind this afternoon. I was going to call the local H-school before heading over to find out if it was a big deal for me to get a lunchtime workout there, just to be safe but I bagged that idea and instead mapped out a 400m flat, straight-sidewalk 'course' and ran that instead. Wasn't a nice oval rubberized track, but it worked and no one bothered me and I didn't bother anyone.

I haven't read the whole thread so maybe someone else has said this, but I'd just run there until someone who seemed like they were in charge told me I couldn't. If one of the PE teachers told you it was ok, go with it.

Southern Man wrote:

Best thing to do would be to call the school and ask--the A.D. or the track coach would be the best ones, probably the track coach as he is likely to sympathize with you.

I don't think there is anything wrong with it, but many schools are understandably skittish about having unknown adults on their campus during the school day.

They are also skittish about getting sued by someone who trips and falls.

Odds are that there is a sign there saying who can and cannot use it. Asking the AD is a good idea.

No One Special wrote:

Public school? Do you pay taxes in the community? Help yourself.

So does that mean I can use the chemistry lab as well?

You couldn't use the chemistry lab after school either. Many schools have outdoor recreational facilities that are open to the public, think playgrounds and basketball courts here.

There are several schools in my area. Some have fences around the track and require you to rent a "joggers key" and sign a release to access the track. Others have no fence.

I have run at two of the schools with no fence, before school and during the first few periods. 95% of the time, nobody is using the track. On one occasion when there were kids running laps, the teachers made sure they stayed out of lane 1 when I was doing my intervals. Nice. I talked to the teachers when I finished, and they said they like to see "older" people using the track, it was a good example for the students.

As a track attendant, I have to deal with all kinds of weirdos.

Remember one fall evening some years ago, I had complaints from some track users that a stranger in street clothes was standing out there in lane one with a travel bag. They were having to run around this guy

As I approached him, he dropped the bag and started walking round the track like he was in some kind of trance. Before he could get too far I'd kicked him outa there. What a loser !

Did you look in the bag? There should have been a silver medal in there.

Awesome!