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INUVIK - They didn't train on an indoor track or have access to any other top-of-the-line training equipment, but that won't discourage three Samuel Hearne Secondary students who will travel to Hay River to compete in the NWT Track and Field Championships from June 2 to 6.

Chris Church, Cullen McLeod and Davonna Kasook will be among 23 students on the school's track team that will compete in the annual event that will draw about 1,200 athletes of all ages from across the territories. The five-day event will feature everything from discus and javelin throwing to high jump and long jump. There will be plenty of long and short-distance track running on the menu, too.

From left, Chris Church, Davonna Kasook, and Cullen McLeod run the streets on Thursday to gear up for the upcoming NWT Track and Field Championships next month. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photos

They're aiming to do well and compete hard.

"We have really good coaches," said Cullen, who will compete in the 200-metre, 1,500-metre and 3,000-metre races.

"I think we have just as good athletes as anyone else."

It's just in the past couple of weeks they've been able to get outside to train.

Cullen said he's hoping to place third in his events, and has been training hard throughout the year. But he said he's a tad concerned about the gruelling 3,000-metre race.

Chris will compete in the high jump, 1,500-metre race and ball throw, and said he's aiming to do his best and to just have fun.

"It's a way to keep active. It's competitive and great to be around your friends," said the Grade 7 athlete.

A competitor through and through, Davonna will try her hand at the 100-metre, 200-metre and 800-metre races and long jump. Even though she promises to give it her all, she said she's a little nervous, too, about the 800-metre race, which she's never done before.

Though most of the trip is sponsored by Canadian North, the group will host a car wash fundraiser at the school and the fire hall on May 30 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Paula Guy is one of several coaches of the track team. The long-time runner said she's impressed with the passion and dedication the kids have shown for the sport.

"It's a challenge for the kids," she said. "It's a challenge when we're inside practising long jump and throwing a discus and a javelin inside a gym.

"But our main goal is for the kids to be having fun, and getting fit and showing team spirit. They've done that and they deserve a lot of credit."