The 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River closed on Friday with at least eight broken records.
The official list of new records – and their holders – will be released to the public on Saturday. Some details were still coming in on Friday afternoon.
Event organizers confirmed records have been broken in the masters women’s 5,000 metres, girls’ 13U high jump, girls’ 13U triple jump, girls’ 13U long jump, girls’ 11U shot-put, boys’ 11U 100 metres, boys 11U 200 metres and men’s 35-plus triple jump.
Track and Field organizers JJ Hirst and Tim Borchuk told Cabin Radio the number of records broken was “extraordinary” compared to last year’s competition.
“There were still a couple that fell [in 2024] but not like this year,” said Hirst.
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Borchuk said the turnout for Track and Field this year was “amazing.”
“We’re almost to the point now where we were before Covid,” he said. “We’re maybe 100 kids out.”
Weather conditions were far more pleasant this year for Track and Field, with warmer temperatures and clear skies compared to last year’s rain. Hirst said while there were concerns on Thursday surrounding wildfire smoke, the championship was able to resume after only a 20-minute break.
“It cleared up,” said Hirst. “And hey, it got hot and today was cool in the morning and beautiful in the afternoon. Perfect track weather.”
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Borchuk told Cabin Radio athlete morale has been up throughout the whole competition.
“I was talking to some of the coaches and they’re saying that their kids are exhausted,” said Borchuk. “They’ll be sleeping on the buses going home.”
“I walked around that track the last three days and I didn’t see one kid without a smile,” added Hirst.
“Every kid you see, they’re having a great time. Whether it’s opening ceremonies, hanging out with their friends, cheering them on, everyone had a smile on and that includes spectators, parents, officials. It was just an awesome meet. One of the best.”
Hirst and Borchuk said the community worked together to help Track and Field run smoothly thanks to volunteers, local groups and sponsors.
“Two people don’t make a track meet,” said Borchuk. “A community does.”
