MARYSVILLE More than 50 people turned out to compete in the citys second-ever all-comers track meet July 19 at M-P High School.
To the satisfaction of Marysville Parks and Recreation staff, who organized the event, that number is about twice the turnout of the inaugural event. Kayla Flynn, with the city parks department, said they hope turnout continues to grow through the last two meets, scheduled for July 26 and Aug. 2.
With events broken down into age categories, many athletes placed in multiple events. One of the meets biggest winners was Tyler McDonald, who won eight categories in his 9- to 10-year-old age group the 50-meter hurdles, the 50-meter dash, the 100, the high jump, the standing long jump, the long jump, the shot put and the softball throw. Carley Wika took seven events in the girls 7- to 8-year-old competition, winning the same events McDonald won, except for the high jump.
Another winningest competitor was one of the youngest, Alexa Chiangpradit. The 4-year-old won the 50 hurdles, the 50, the 100, and perhaps most remarkably, the 400, which she finished in 3:05.
Competitors as young as 2 registered for the meet, and 3-year-old Riley Perrine won the softball throw in the under 4 category with a seven-foot toss.
The meets have drawn athletes of all ability levels, Flynn said.
In addition to young children, several high school athletes competed and placed in events.
Sophomore Brady Ballew, who spent the track season playing soccer, demonstrated an aptitude for the high jump, winning the event with a 5-1 jump.
Track veterans Cali Cull, Nicolette Runyan and Alisha Oden each placed in an event that night as well. Sprinter Runyan followed her state appearance in the 100 by taking the city title as well in 13.78, but also tried and won the longer 800 in 3:45. A jumper in the track season, Oden finished the 800 in the same time to win for her 15-16 age category and threw a winner in the shot put at 24-9.
Flynn said there were noticeably more adults competing in the second meet than the first. One won the joggers mile, in which competitors are rewarded for predicting their mile time.
In the joggers mile, one guy predicted right on, she said of winner Doug McCoy. He said eight minutes, and he got eight minutes. And theyre not allowed to wear a watch.
Flynn said organizers hope to build more competitiveness in events among the teen and adult age groups.
It would be great if people used our track meet as their summer track and field meet, she said.