Thousands of student athletes compete at large track event in Russell neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of students showed off their athletic abilities at what is now one of the largest track and field events in the area.

Saturday was the first day of the Kentucky Track and Cross County Coaches Association President's Day Track Meet.

It's happening at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center. Nearly 3,000 students are taking part as Saturday was for high schoolers and Sunday there will be high school, middle and elementary students participating.

Nationally, the venue is known as a fast track which is why competitions across the country come to Louisville to use it.

"It's great that we've grown," Tim King, with the KTCCA, said. "We're probably close to one and half times what we did last year and probably double what what we did two years ago. It means that the sport's growing and we're doing a good job here of getting the word out and giving opportunities to our youth which is the most important thing."

Many of the students Saturday qualified for the KHSAA State Meet in two weeks.

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