Slalom running is inspired by downhill skiing and requires runners to
negotiate a series of gates on a flat grass track over 100m, and grand
slalom, over 400m. These events call for a combination of speed, agility,
and balance and will appeal particularly to athletes who have perfected
these skills in sports like football, rugby, and basketball.
There will be two types of slalom running courses: slalom and grand slalom.
Each course will be laid out in identical pairs, one next to the other,
with two athletes competing side by side. The slalom course consists of a
number of tight turns over 100m (1 gate per 2 to 3 meters depending on the
course architect - official Fringe Games guidelines will be issued
shortly). The grand slalom is made up of a lesser ratio of gates to
distance, creating a series of faster more sweeping turns. When negotiating a course, stride
length and frequency need to be varied according to gate positions, while
speed must be maintained through the gates in order to take advantage of
centrifugal forces which allow the athlete to develop maximum lean. Speed
needs to be coordinated with balance.
Racing styles will vary, but in general the slalom runner stays low, with
the body in a pronounced forward lean going into the gate, then rising
quickly to a more upright stance coming out, in order to maximize stride
length.
Ability to run the slalom
will be greatly influenced by leg strength and runners need to display full
rear leg extension and drive through, with the leading arm forward and down
a little to steer the body round the flexible poles. Some runners will
prefer chaff guards on the lower arms to enable more aggressive pole
pushing. Qualifying times for the Fringe Games in Christchurch, New Zealand will be
posted shortly.
Slalom running is inspired by downhill skiing and requires runners to
negotiate a series of gates on a flat grass track over 100m, and grand
slalom, over 400m. These events call for a combination of speed, agility,
and balance and will appeal particularly to athletes who have perfected
these skills in sports like football, rugby, and basketball.
centrifugal forces which allow the athlete to develop maximum lean. Speed
needs to be coordinated with balance.
Racing styles will vary, but in general the slalom runner stays low, with
the body in a pronounced forward lean going into the gate, then rising
quickly to a more upright stance coming out, in order to maximize stride
length.
Ability to run the slalom
will be greatly influenced by leg strength and runners need to display full
rear leg extension and drive through, with the leading arm forward and down
a little to steer the body round the flexible poles. Some runners will
prefer chaff guards on the lower arms to enable more aggressive pole
pushing. Qualifying times for the Fringe Games in Christchurch, New Zealand will be
posted shortly.