Welcome to the 2026 Russell E. Blunt East Coast Invitational. This page provides essential information for athletes, coaches, and spectators to help prepare for a successful meet experience. Please review all details carefully prior to arrival.
Meet Location:
The 2026 Blunt East Coast Invitational will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium, located at 750 Stadium Drive, Durham, NC 27704. Here are a map and directions .
The facility features an eight-lane, 400-meter all-weather track and a full artificial turf field, providing an excellent venue for high-level competition. The stadium seats approximately 8,500 spectators and includes warm-up and throwing areas and on-site concessions.
Parking:
The Durham County Stadium offers free parking.
Facility Guidelines:
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all:
- No alcohol is permitted on stadium grounds
- No glass containers are allowed
- Tents and umbrellas are permitted in designated areas
- All attendees are expected to conduct themselves respectfully
- Security will be provided by the Durham County Sheriff’s Department
Officials and Volunteers:
Please use the Officials and Volunteers Registration Form if you’re available to work the meet as an official or volunteer. We have many roles to fill in order to run a successful ad greatly appreciate your willingness to get involved with putting on the Blunt ECI.
Packet Pickup:
Coaches and parents of unattached athletes may pick up packets (including bib numbers and wristbands):
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Press Box – 3rd Level)
- Friday–Sunday: Beginning at 8:00 AM at the main gate
Competitor Bibs:
- Bib numbers must be worn on the front of the uniform at all times
- Replacement bibs are available for a $5 fee
General Admission:
Cash and card payments accepted.
Adults: $10 per day or $25 for all three days, Children: $5 per day
Free admission for:
- Registered athletes (with wristband)
- Coaches (with wristband)
- Officials and volunteers
- Children under 6
Tents:
Tents and/or umbrellas are permitted in designated stadium areas.
Concessions:
Concession sales are not related to the competition and are not under the meet’s control or supervision. No glass containers are permitted in the stadium.
Competition and Equipment:
- Only ¼” spikes or smaller are allowed
- Athletes must use meet-provided starting blocks and batons
- Throwers must provide their own implements
- All throwing implements must be checked/weighed during designated time
Throwing implements will be weighed in a designated area on Friday from 8:30-10:00 a.m., on Saturday from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 8:00-9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Relays:
- Maximum of 2 relay teams per event per age division (“A” and “B”)
- Each relay may include:
- 4 competitors
- 2 alternates
- Relay uniforms must follow USATF rules
Protests:
- All protests must be submitted at the protest table
- Must be filed by:
- A coach
- The athlete (if unattached)
- A parent (for unattached athletes)
- A $50 cash fee is required (refunded if upheld)
- All competition follows USATF rules
Live Results:
Follow meet results at https://results.durhamstriders.com/
Awards:
- Top 6 finishers in each event receive medals
- Team awards include:
- Overall Team Champions
- Male & Female Team Champions
- Age Group Champions
- First-place relay teams receive a Championship Baton
- Outstanding Athlete Awards are selected based on performance