So what do all you runners and running fans think is the best track at which to run and watch long distance track races (1,500m an up)?
I haven?t been to that many tracks, but I think I have seen the major ones; Bislett, Heyward, Stockholm, and Zurich.
I would have to rate Bislett as the best track. The fans at Bislett are very knowledgeable about the races, runners, and times they produce. The track itself is also unique in many ways. It is very rarely much wind at Bislett, it has great traditions, and the fans get so close to the track they can really help to push the athletes. Sure the track is old and only has 6 lanes, but there is a special atmosphere that I haven?t seen anywhere else (maybe during Pres races at Heyward, but I?m not old enough to have seen that first hand). Also, at Bislett the fans prefer to watch a good 10k race over a good 100m race, too bad the new Grand Prix format is taking some of the uniqueness away from Bislett.
I would rate the rest as this:
2. Heyward (tradition and the fans takes this one to 2nd place on my list).
3. Zurich (probably the nicest and well kept on the Grand Prix circuit today. Well informed fans and nice paydays for the athletes).
4. Stockholm (I think this is the track at which the most world records are produced, even more than Bislett. So great traditions and great fans).
-Clay