The annual Hershey track meet in Jefferson will be held next week.

Jefferson Parks and Recreation Director Vicky Lautner says any 9-14 year-olds are eligible to compete for a chance to advance to the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association’s state track meet in Marshalltown in June.

Lautner points out that last year they had 25 participants which is the most they’ve ever had.  Each competitor is allowed to enter in two running events from the 50-meter dash to the 1,600-meter run and one field event of either the standing long jump or the softball throw or two field events and one running event.

She talks about why it’s important for younger kids to be exposed to a track meet like this.

“I think getting the younger kids involved in the track meet, they kind of see what goes on, they not under any pressure to win.  And to see the older kids run and see how they do things, I think it’s just a good thing all around for experience for the younger kids and the older kids.”

Registration will start at 4:30pm on Tuesday, April 22nd at Linduska Field in Jefferson with the meet to begin at 5pm.  Pre-registration is encouraged but not required for the free contest.