American Masters Records Broken at Reno Tahoe Indoor Track

Two American masters records were established during the USATF Pacific Association Holiday Invitational held at the Reno Tahoe Indoor Track, located within the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. This event took place from December 27 to 28, 2023, and showcased the facility’s status as Nevada’s first and only World Athletics-certified indoor track.

On December 27, David Gibbon from Cottonwood Heights, Utah, achieved a remarkable time of 24.30 seconds in the men’s 200 meters, setting a new American masters record for the 60-64 age group. His performance surpassed the previous U.S. record of 24.32 seconds, which had stood since 2011, and was only 0.02 seconds shy of the world record.

The following day, Bill Harvey of Goleta, California, made his mark by launching the shot put to a distance of 13.47 meters, setting a new American masters record in the 80-84 age group. His throw eclipsed the prior U.S. best of 12.78 meters, set in 2015, falling just 0.21 meters short of the world best.

Impact of the Records on the Community

These record-setting performances highlight the capabilities of the Reno Tahoe Indoor Track, which is designed to elite competition standards. The 200-meter banked track, manufactured by Mondo and featuring World Athletics-certified equipment, is equipped to host a wide range of events, from youth competitions to major collegiate meets.

Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe, stated, “When you see two American records fall in a single weekend — and both performances coming within a blink of world bests — it’s a powerful reminder of what this world-class facility was built to do.” He emphasized the importance of the indoor track in attracting athletes from across the West, which in turn supports local businesses during the winter months.

This season, the indoor track is scheduled to host 12 meets, drawing competitors from various regions and bolstering sports travel during a typically quieter season. Last year, the inaugural season attracted over 5,000 registered athletes, coaches, and families, contributing to more than 12,000 room nights and generating an estimated economic impact of $6 million.

About the Reno Tahoe Region

The Reno Tahoe area is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. It combines genuine Western heritage with modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, world-class attractions, and a variety of events throughout the year. The region is promoted by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (Visit Reno Tahoe), which has been active since 1959 in boosting tourism and convention business in Washoe County.

For more details about upcoming events and visitor information, interested parties can visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.

The recent achievements underscore the potential of the Reno Tahoe Indoor Track to become a significant venue for athletes and sporting events, further solidifying its reputation within the athletics community.