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I just got this reply to my question about spike length for Nationals in Spokane. Thought I'd pass it on.....

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This is the reply from the coach.

1. Spokane Falls Community College has a Tartan Urethane track and runways. Only spikes which are 3/16” or less and are needle point are allowed. Hex head and Christmas tree are not allowed. Please be sure that all participants adhere to this requirement.
Lawson

Never heard something like that before... Needles are most devastating for the track, I only know of some indoor floors where needles are forebidden, the other types not.

glad I am not going -I do not own any "needle" spikes - I own lots of replacement pyramids of various lengths. Needle spikes used on an all weather track should not be longer than 3/16 in length any longer than 3/16 and the spike tends to stick to the track.
Is this "rule" for Spokane publicized? How many people will turn up with pyramids as they are often what middle distance runners use. and be told to remove them from their shoes? Will they really inspect the shoe. I have been to many track meets in more than 25 years of track competing and only once had my spikes inspected for the proper length (Linz, Austria WMA indoor meet). And not once have I seen a requirement of a needle spike.. If they intend to enforce that rule - they better be prepared to sell replacement spikes at registration otherwise - lots and lots of miffed folks.

As of 20 seconds ago, the official meet information said nothing about spikes:

http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/USAMas ... hleteInfo/

Absent any officially promulgated stipulations and prohibitions, you're welcome to wear any spikes that U want. I'll wear my Hanukkah Bush spikes.

I noticed that too Ken - looked at the website - found nothing about spike requirements. My money says that no one is going to check spikes - wear what you want but probably 3 inch pyramids might be a tad too long.

There's a photo of spike req'ments on my photo page of Spokane Falls track.

http://picasaweb.google.com/shotparrot/ ... 7927861954

It does say 3/16 but doesn't say anything about needles. Maybe this is where the rumor started? I'm going to wear 1/2" just for fun and see what they say...