The 400m running track is to be resurfaced at the National Sports Centre as it gears up to host the Carifta Games in April.The existing track, which had a ten-year warranty, was laid in 2001 and is now falling into disrepair. In places it is separating from the foundation and has lost elasticity, becoming increasingly hazardous to runners. In addition, consistent with track construction of the time, the building material contained mercury, which becomes airborne as the track deteriorates. “The project should take 13 weeks, ending mid-February,” said Craig Tyrrell, the NSC’s operations manager. “This work has to be done not only before the Carifta Games, but to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those who use the track.”Earlier this year, NACAC representatives on a pre-Carifta inspection visit stated that at a minimum the track had to be repaired and restriped to meet IAAF requirements.Representatives from the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation and the National Sports Centre, selected Beynon Sports to complete the work. “Through the support of the Bermuda Olympic Association, an application was made to PAN American Sports,” added Tyrell.“It has pledged to contribute $200,000 towards the total cost of the project which is $701,000.“The original track has served Bermuda and the National Sports Centre in an exemplary manner. In 2004 it produced a World Record in Bermuda when Usain Bolt ran the 200m in a time of 19.93 seconds. The new track will hopefully see a few more world records being set.”