The annual Galion Cross Country Festival is being held for the forty-first consecutive year at the Amann’s Reservoir outside Galion Saturday, Sept. 16. Running begins at 9:00 a.m., and admission is $5 for individuals 13 and up, while children 12 and under receive free admission.

This year’s field includes nearly 100 teams, a far cry from the five teams who competed in the very first meet in 1977. With more than 4,300 competitors in four categories (High School boys and girls, and Middle School boys and girls), the Galion Cross Country Festival is the third largest such meet in the state of Ohio.

“The Galion Cross Country Festival has a very storied history,” said Festival Meet Director Ken Jarvis. “The course at Amann’s Reservoir is probably the best spectator course in the state of Ohio. George Guins, Galion’s longtime cross country coach, designed the layout of the course, and it has not changed since the festival began.”

Notable athletes who have run in the Galion Cross Country Festival include: Scott Fry, a state and national champion in both track and cross country; Clair Durkin, a state champion who ran collegiately at Stanford; Bob Kennedy, a state and national high school champion, a national collegiate champion, and a US national record holder in the 3000 meter, 2 mile, & 5000 meter runs, and 2-time Olympian; and Andrew Jordan, named by Ohio Mile Split as Best Distance Runner ever produced in Ohio and 2 mile national champion.

“We estimate almost 15,000 people will visit Amann’s Reservoir and Galion this weekend,” said Jarvis. “We greatly appreciate the patience and support of the residents who live in the area of the Reservoir.”

Jarvis has personally overseen the organization of the meet for more than 30 years. His vision and work ethic has helped make this festival one of the most competitive in Ohio.

“I am very grateful for all the work and time Ken has invested in organizing this meet for the Galion community and our school district,” said Galion Superintendent Jim Grubbs. “This is an incredible event that showcases our community, and I’m excited to enjoy the full day of competition Saturday.”

For more information about the event, including a map of the course, spectator parking information and more, please visit www.galionschools.org.