Inaugural Amanda Post Track Meet aims to get more youngsters running

A new running event will help keep alive the memory of local athlete Amanda Post, as well as introduce more Encinitas elementary students to track meets.

The first Amanda Post Track Meet will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 6 at the La Costa Canyon High School track. Registration is open until May 29 for third- through sixth-graders in all nine Encinitas Union School District schools.

“The event is intended to expose elementary kids to track meets and complement the district’s health and wellness program,” said Greg Post, Amanda Post’s father. “Younger kids tend to be exposed to baseball or soccer, but usually not track.”

He noted that running experience isn’t necessary for kids to participate.

In a tragedy that shook the community, Amanda Post, a Cathedral Catholic High graduate, was just 18 when she died in a three-vehicle collision near Bishop in 2010.

Amanda Post was an avid runner. She ran track at Cathedral and was the section champion in the 800-meter run in 2010.

The event will have a 100-meter run, 400 meter, 800 meter and 1,600 meter, along with a 4x100-meter relay. Registration is $5 for one event or $10 for two or more events.

It’s presented by the Encinitas school district, La Costa Canyon Foundation, Encinitas Educational Foundation and Amanda Post Foundation, which was established by the Post family to provide youth scholarships.

The track meet isn’t a fundraiser for any of the supporting organizations. Rather, fees will cover the cost of insurance, janitor services, and ribbons for first-, second- and third- place finishers in each heat.

Parents who want to register their students for the June 6 track meet are advised to visit eusd.net and click on “schools” on the banner. Click on one of the schools and then click on the Peachjar button. Once there, a track flier pops up with a registration portal.

Volunteers can also sign up this way.

Refreshments will be available, but parents are encouraged to bring water, shade umbrellas, sunscreen and folding chairs. Also, pets aren’t allowed at the La Costa Canyon High School track, and sign-ins are at 8 a.m.

“We really encourage the parents and siblings to come out to cheer the runners on,” Greg Post said.