Track and field, as the name suggests, isn’t just about running on a track. The “field” part is just as important. Whether it’s a small high school meet or a big international championship, these circuits are where dreams are chased and records are broken. A carefully constructed oval serves as the centerpiece for a variety of events, including sprints, middle- and long-distance runs, hurdles, relays, long jumps, high jumps, pole vaults, shot put, discus throws, and javelin throws. A lot of time, money, planning, and effort goes into the design and upkeep of these spaces, ensuring that athletes have the best possible facilities to train and compete in.

With these aspects in mind, in the heart of New York City, near the iconic Manhattan Bridge, lies a sports track that once belonged to a shining gem in the city’s education system. However, this alma mater had fallen into disrepair, both in terms of its buildings and its academic standards. Recently, attention has turned to the state of its track and field area. Pictures of the field have been shared widely on the internet, and people are shocked by what they see.

A high school track and field stadium is a peculiar sight to see

Murry Bergtraum High School, located just steps away from City Hall, was once a prestigious institution built in 1975. It was one of the first schools in the country to specialize in business education and attracted some of the city’s brightest students. But this academic institution has fallen on hard times. Changes in the city’s education policies under Mayor Bloomberg’s administration led to a decline in enrollment and academic performance. As a result, the school’s once-popular business programs have been cut, and it now struggles with low attendance and graduation rates. And now even their track and field “field” has become a thing of ridicule. Recently, a Reddit post from the r/trackandfield subreddit brought attention to the school’s unique track-and-field setup, located next to the Manhattan Bridge in New York City.

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What on earth is this. Not even the soccer field is complete. Bruh.
byu/aussiemiles12 intrackandfield

The post’s caption read, “What on earth is this. Not even the soccer field is complete. Bruh.” Despite its iconic view below the Bridge and next to the East River, the layout has track fans confused. First, there’s the track itself. The track has a bit of an odd shape because the school doesn’t have a lot of space. One end of the track looks pretty normal, but the other end has a squared-off curve. Despite this unusual shape, the track is still useful for practice. There are lane lines, starting lines, and exchange zones painted on it, indicating that it was used for meets in the past. But that’s not all.

Inside the track, there’s a softball field. Yes, you read that right! It’s pretty rare to have a softball field inside a track, but that’s what makes this ground so unique. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a runway and pit for long and triple jumps inside the track. In response to r/trackandfield’s post, countless track and field fans joined in on the conversation, poking fun at the Murry Bergtraum High School Blazers.

Track fans troll Murry Bergtraum High School’s unique field

A flood of track and field fans joined the conversation about Murry Bergtraum High School’s unique 3-in-1 sports field. One user pointed out that Murry Bergtraum High School, located next to the Manhattan Bridge, has a track that seems to be designed for multiple sports rather than just one. They humorously remarked, “Murry Bergtraum High School right next to Manhattan Bridge. Why be horribly inadequate for a single sport, when you can horribly inadequate for three?”

Another enthusiast emphasized, “Imagine running first leg of the 4x100m on this disaster, that’s 2 bends and a straight!” Another fan added another interesting detail, mentioning that  “its also 304 metres lol” One fan analyzed the track’s design based on its length, and joked, “When your shot putters can simultaneously score the winning goal while stealing second base.” One user shared, “I guess its better than nothing?”

As we reflect on this fan sentiment, it’s intriguing how Murray Bergtraum High School’s track, despite its odd shape, hasn’t been used for competition in at least four years. However, it serves as an excellent practice space with lane lines, starting lines, and exchange zones, all beneath the Manhattan Bridge, adding to its charm. But Murray Bergtraum High School’s track is not the only unique one out there.

Tracks like Keinicke & Overgaard Arkitekter in Odense, Denmark, and the 3-D Athletics Track in Elda, Spain, offer unique features such as beaches, hills, and even a built-in hill for strength training. From wacky-shaped tracks in California to mini-tracks in Alaska, each space presents its own challenges and advantages for aspiring athletes. What are your thoughts on these innovative and unique training spaces? Share your thoughts in the comments below!