Student athletes compete in 60th Bob Hayes Invitational Track meet at UNF

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 60th anniversary of the Bob Hayes Invitational Track and Field meet wrapped up Saturday afternoon.

The Bob Hayes Invitational Track meet has stood as a central gathering for aspiring track and field athletes from the southeastern United States.

WATCH | Bob Hayes Invitational Track meet celebrates 60 years

This meet, held a the Hodges Stadium at UNF, includes competitors from all over, especially from Jacksonville.

Mariah Shuford, a junior at Riverside High School, was one of the competitors.

“I run a lot of events. I run the open four. The open eight, and as well as the relays for the four by four and the four by eight,” Shuford said.

Shuford said she has been competing in the invitational since middle school, and she said it’s something she looks forward to every year.

“My goal is just to run my PRs, my personal best,” Shuford said.

The invitational has some events for middle schoolers, attracts a lot of high schoolers and this year opened to collegiate runners.

The executive director of the track meet said this is beneficial for anyone who participates in it.

“The reputation of the Bob Hayes track meet has been second to none. If you can run and compete and if you’re a Bob Hayes Champion that means you’re at the top echelon in the South Eastern part of the country,” Executive Director Greg Coleman said.

In addition to running, this meet also serves as a chance for participants to learn more about the namesake of the event.

For those unfamiliar with history, Hayes, the renowned sprinter from Florida A&M, earned the nickname “Bullet Bob” for his unparalleled supremacy in sprinting events spanning from 60 to 100 yards.

Hayes grew up on Jacksonville’s Eastside and won gold medals in the Olympics and a Super Bowl ring.

While Shuford and her teammates were mentally and physically preparing for their other races, her coach — who also ran in the invitational in high school — had a message for them.

“We’re here to compete. So I want y’all to go out there and compete with no matter who’s out there even if they’re ten seconds better than you, cut it down, make it five,” Coach Chris Curry said.

The executive director said 12 scholarships were given to participants this year.