Downtown Events to Return for 2012 Kansas Relays
March 15, 2012
LAWRENCE, Kan. – For the second-consecutive year, Kansas Athletics, partnering with the city of Lawrence, will host downtown shot put and long jump events as part of the 85th Kansas Relays. With some of the top athletes in the world participating, the shot put will begin at 6 p.m. (CT), on Wednesday, April 18th, while the long jump will take place on Thursday, April 19th, also at 6 p.m.
The shot put will take place on the 100 East block of Eighth Street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire Streets. Officials will again construct a throwing area and platform, as well as a spectator viewing area. Material to construct the shot put sector will be donated by Hamm Quarry, Inc. The donated material will be reused by the City of Lawrence following the event to maintain running and biking trails along the Kansas River levee. The shot put contest is anticipated to be one of the Kansas Relays’ marquee events, as several of the world’s top throwers are expected to participate. Spectators on hand will have the opportunity to win several prizes through giveaways, as well as enjoy inflatable games for the young fans.
The long jump will be held on the 100 West block of Eighth Street between Massachusetts and Vermont Streets and will play host to some of the nation’s top female jumpers. The athletes will be competing one block down from where the shot put takes place at the intersection of Vermont and Eighth Streets. Like the shot put, this year’s events will be even more meaningful, as all athletes competing are vying for spots on Olympic teams that will compete in London later this year. Fans will get to enjoy multiple prize giveaways, music from D.J. Travis Read and an appearance by the KU Jayhawk mascot.
The events are free to the public and will be held in concurrence with the 85th Kansas Relays, which will be held April 18-21 at Memorial Stadium. For more information on the 2012 Kansas Relays log on to kansasrelays.com.
