THE Gibson McCook Relays has received Tier 2 status from the international governing body World Athletics, ahead of its 48th staging at the National Stadium on Saturday, February 22.

The announcement was made at its launch in St Andrew on Thursday.

World Athletics’s tier system ranks events based on the quality of their competition, how they assist in the development of athletes, how accessible these competitions are, and the level of audience engagement.

Maurice Wilson, a national coach and Sprintec Track Club’s head coach, says the meet is important to the region.

“It’s a staple on the relay calendar,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “It’s the best-run relay carnival on this side of the world, separate and apart from other meets that are not in the Caribbean.”

Over 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in 40 events this year. Of those 40 events, 31 are relay races and 15 of those 31 are championship events while the other nine are individual events.

The best-performing high school boys’ and girls’ teams will win $100,000 each while the Neville “Teddy” McCook Trophy will go to the best overall performers, as well as the Puma Trophy and $150,000.

Record setters in championship events will also earn $75,000.

The meet’s Entries and Registration Sub-Committee chairman, Reverend Ryan Peralto says the recent turnout at the Sunshine Girls’ three-match test series against South Africa gives him hope for a good crowd at the National Stadium, which he says is vital.

“When I was a high school youngster at STGC [St George’s College] I remember coming around the bend at Champs [ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships] and you just hear the crowd going [wild],” he shared. “Then when I went to university in Florida, at my first meet, I remember coming around the track …nothing. That is when I realised the value of crowd support. We always provide that in Jamaica at our events so we’re looking forward to that crowd support for the Gibson McCook Relays 2025.”

Personnel representing each corporate sponsor were invited to the launch to participate in a raffle for the events which would bear their brands’ names. Sports administrator Ian Forbes was one of these, representing the Forbes family, choosing to sponsor in order to honour the legacy of his late father Headley. Headley was a former Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association treasurer and assistant secretary. Ian randomly selected the Men’s 400m Open event.

“My father was very involved in Jamaica’s track and field,” Ian said. “In his memory, the family decided we wanted to sponsor an event this year. And, moving forward, I think that will continue.

“I’m expecting a high-quality meet, very well organised, professionally run. I’m expecting some high-quality performances and fierce rivalries.”

Wilson, while praising the meet for its timing as it aids both senior and junior athletes in preparing for the season ahead, says he hopes to see a larger turnout of seniors.

“I think it is important for the athletes to get this exposure at a very early stage,” he said. “You see it in their performances at the Penn Relays.

“Where I’m a little concerned is with the seniors. There’s not enough participation from senior athletes — and I think it would do them a world of good, even though the season is early. But again, it’s left to their coaches and management to oversee that aspect of things.”

The Gibson McCook relays will get started at 9:30 am and run until 9:00 pm on the day, with the finals starting at 4:00 pm.