One of the most popular events on the athletics calendar, relays are contested in under 14, under 16, under 18, under 20, open and Masters who have three divisions.

Not only are the normal 4x100 and 4x400 contested, but athletes are given a great variety with 4x200, 4x800, 4x1500, and a medley plus relays in shot, discus, javelin and high and long jump.

So you can why these events cater for everyone and the popularity is one of the best.

To be held on the Campbelltown track next Saturday and Sunday November 23-24, to help them celebrate their anniversary, it is expected this track will be the scene of some very good relay running.

Junior athletes have the chance to see some of the best senior athletes in action. Many of the top-line athletes are now coming onto the track and are using the relays as their first major "hit-out".

Our club has some good teams entered and the men's open team is one that is given a chance of at least making the final.

The same group has been together for a number of years and their run last year in country to break the country record, was one of the best performances by an open IBS team.

But this weekend will be tough with the might of Sydney University going in as warm favourites for the open men.

The club's under 20 4x100m is also a good team with AW athlete Gabb Bickle combining with Jonty Faulkner, Jake Gander and Corey Wallace, all of IBS , to form a highly competitive team.

The club has entered teams in under 14, under 16, under 20, open and masters men's and women's, and the masters teams on paper, look strong combinations.

The men's 4x100 and 4x200 in the age bracket of 240 plus of John Van Stappen, John Lamb, Andrew Roda and Colin Clarson look highly competitive and the return of John Van Stappen has really strengthened this age bracket.

Same can be said for the women in the 200 plus in the 4x100, with Di O'Toole, Lynda Douglas, Rina Flynn and Gianna Mogentale forming a very strong quartet.

The state record is the aim of this combination with Douglas, O'Toole and Flynn being members of the state team who currently hold the state record.

Gianna Mogentale moves into the IBS team in place of Katoomba athlete Julie Foster, and will add speed plus to this team over the short sprint.

Athletes are reminded to check the final draft program on the Athletics NSW website to ensure no changes have been made after acceptance of entries have been received. It is not anticipated there will be many changes, if any at all, but please check on Thursday in case.

Athletes are also reminded to be at the track at least 1.5 hours prior to heat start and look for the IBS banner. Full uniform must be worn and if members are yet to purchase a club singlet, a south coast singlet will be available.

Blue Stars will not be conducting club rounds this coming weekend due to relays.

Watch this space for major meets that will be taking place in January such as the Illawarra Track Challenge on Saturday, January 11, 2020, followed by the NSW Country titles over three days on January 17-19.

Blue Star members will also receive the December newsletter with full details of these major events.