Top high school athletes from across the country will chase records in Huntsville this weekend for the Running Lane Track Championships at Milton Frank Stadium.
Only 14 high schoolers in U.S. history have run faster than a 4-minute mile. Four runners could add to that historical number Saturday night. James Donahue (4:02), Lex Young (4:03), Jackson Barna (4:06), Bryce Reeburgh (4:06) are slated to compete and could add their name to the record book.
Events will be Friday and Saturday at the stadium and are free for spectators. Finals will be run under the lights. Race director Will Rodgers with Running Lane expects 750-800 competitors from 28 states and Alberta, Canada. States include Colorado, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Mexico, Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Oklahoma, West Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California and Utah.
“The field is absolutely loaded in the three events we’re hosting this weekend, the 800M, Mile and 3200M,” Rodgers said. “This will be one of the most competitive track meets in the U.S. this year and arguably the deepest field ever assembled in the Girls Mile.
Running Lane Track Championships Field
Rodgers said the field includes:
— Ten girls 2:13 or faster in the 800
— Sixteen boys 1:54 or faster in the 800
— Thirty-two girls 5:00 or faster in the Mile
— Forty-nine boys 4:20 or faster in the Mile
— Twenty girls 10:53 or faster in the 3200
— Twenty-eight boys 9:20 or faster in the 3200
“We are absolutely thrilled to have the nation’s top high school athletes coming to Huntsville this weekend for the Running Lane Track Championships,” Rodgers said. “These kids have trained all year long for this event. We’re excited to host a one of a kind experience. This event is 100 percent free to spectators. We encourage everyone who can attend to come support these runners at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.
“I would like to thank Mark Russell and his team at the Huntsville Sports Commission for their support in helping us take this meet to the next level. This is a really big deal for the City of Huntsville. We can’t wait to see everyone out there Friday and Saturday night.”
Running Lane puts on different events throughout the year including trail and road competitions. It also hosts high school track and cross country events. Competitors must be in 7th to 12th grade in the 2021-22 school year. The meet schedule will be determined by the number of entries in the meet. Preliminary scheduling put the 3200m events on Friday from 6:30-10 p.m. and the 800m and Mile events Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
