JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of high school athletes from across the country are in Jacksonville to take part in this weekend’s Bob Hayes Invitational track and field meet.
It’s one of the biggest track meets in the country and honors the life and accomplishments of Jacksonville native Bullet Bob Hayes.
This year’s event will also honor another Jacksonville legend, former Raines High School coach and event organizer, James Day.
This is going to be the first meet without him. Day passed away unexpectedly last month.
Day was a track and field coach at Raines High, one of the founding members of this event and served as the race director for 60 years.
Between 1,500 and 1,700 high school athletes are expected to compete Saturday.
This is the 57th year of the event, which kicks off at 8 a.m.