BOARDMAN One of the largest running events in the Midwest returned to Boardman Saturday.

The 40th annual Spartan Invitational welcomed more than 4,000 runners from more than 350 teams, representing 200 school districts.

The first race began at 9 a.m. with the last finishing up around 5 p.m.

The competition pits some of the best runners from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia against each other.

"This is part of the culture here in Boardman," Boardman Assistant Athletic Director and Girls Track & Field Coach Rick Sypert told 21 News. "We use it as a fundraiser as well. It helps our running teams but we also give back to our National Honors Society kids too."

The Spartan Invitational also gives a boost to local businesses, attracting an estimated 20,000 spectators to the

See Full Page