Some history will take place Tuesday at the Athens Sportsplex as Athens Bible School will host its 42nd annual Cross Country Invitational.

The cross country meet is thought to be the oldest continuously held cross country meet in Alabama, having taken place every year since 1976, the past 18 years having taken place at the Sportsplex.

“Stan Johnson, who is the state meet director, says this is the oldest continuous meet in the state,” Athens Bible athletic director Bill Murrell said. “We have had a great set of parents and supporters who help put on this race. Also, a big ‘thank you’ needs to go to the city of Athens for allowing us to use their venue these past 18 years.”

Murrell said the race has been at numerous locations but has been at the Sportsplex since 2001.

“We started out at Chriswood Golf Course, which is no longer in existence,” he said. “Then we went to Camp Heron out on Capshaw Road for about 10 years. We used the campus at Athens State College for two years before moving to the Sportsplex.”

Murrell said there are 29 teams scheduled to compete in the race, including Athens Bible, Clements, Elkmont, Ardmore, East Limestone and Lindsay Lane Christian. There will be a varsity girls and boys 1A-3A and 4A-7A divisions as well as a combined boys and girls junior high race.

The junior high race will be 3,200 meters and the varsity races are 5 kilometers.

The junior high race will begin at 3:45 p.m. with the varsity girls race beginning at 4:10 and the varsity boys race beginning at 4:35.