The inaugural adidas Boost Boston Games were held Saturday, and the track and field event received "mixed reviews" from the competing athletes, according to Shira Springer of the BOSTON GLOBE. While the athletes "all praised the concept, competition, crowds and overall atmosphere, they also criticized the 180-meter temporary track." American hurdler Ronnie Ash "thought the street meet was the perfect way to share the sport with more people and generate greater interest in track and field." Ash said, "The fans were amazing. I believe we should bring more (street meets) to multiple cities in the US so we can get more clout, outside of basketball, football, baseball in the U.S., bring more people to track and field, get more support." But Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake said, "The track was really bad. ... It was more than a little bouncy. It was atrocious." Springer noted the track "wasn't as stable as some sprinters would have like and presented unusual challenges." Ash: "There were some imperfections on the track." However, the street meet was a success "in almost every other way." There was "perfect weather, competitive fields, a steady stream of foot traffic that lingered to watch" and good organization that "kept the meet on time for the live broadcast" on NBCSN. Boost Boston Games Dir Mark Wetmore and the track installers "will focus on a better track for next year's races." Wetmore said, "It was the first year we did the event and we hired the best company we could. ... We have to take the steps necessary to improve the platform under the track to make it better for next year" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/19).
