Smith College to Open Indoor Track for Walking and Running

Beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2001, area residents can take refuge from the early morning cold for their exercise regimens when Smith College opens the doors of its Indoor Track and Tennis (ITT) facility to the public for walking and running, from 6 to 8 a.m., weekdays.

"The athletic department receives requests regularly from the public to run or walk on the ITT track, particularly as the weather grows colder," says Lynn Oberbillig, director of athletics. Rarely used by the college during the early morning hours, the facility will offer an alternative to the halls of the local malls or workouts on a treadmill.

The track inside the ITT is 200 meters in circumference -- seven laps around the outside lane equals one mile. A surface of hard rubber covers the entire floor, including the track, and provides a cushion that can reduce stress on the body. The ITT is the only track in the area with such a surface.

Participants must enter and leave the ITT only through the glass doors at the facility's entrance and may not go beyond the ITT track area. Also, they will be required to wear clean shoes on the track and are encouraged to use proper footwear and change directions frequently while walking or running. The track will be monitored during the open hours.

Participants in the program will be allowed to park in the Ainsworth parking lot, provided they leave by 8 a.m. The parking lot is located on the lower section of College Lane.

December 15, 2000