Acute injuries in track and field athletes: a 3-year observational study at the Penn Relays Carnival with epidemiology and medical coverage implications.

Background: Few studies have examined acute injuries in track and field in both elite and subelite athletes.

Purpose: To observe the absolute number and relative rates of injury in track and field athletes across a wide range of competition levels and ages during 3 years of the Penn Relays Carnival to assist with future medical coverage planning and injury prevention strategies.

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.