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KIRKSVILLE -- Kirksville Parks and Recreation held its annual Hershey Track Meet at Stokes Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The event is held every spring for kids 5 and older and is sponsored by theTruman State University Exercise Science Department.

The kids competed in games such as the stand still jump, 50 meter dash, 800 meter dash and the softball throw.

Winners from Saturday's event get to move on to the state competition in Jefferson City.

Those who make it out of the state tournament get the ultimate reward of heading to the birthplace of the chocolate kiss; Hershey,Pa., compete in nationals.

Community Service Director Melanie Smith said the event is beneficial to getting kids outdoors and having fun.

"Well it's really important for kids to get out and be active and we know everyone can compete at the same level ,so we encourage everyone to participate and come out. You can start as young as five and on up.  We really want to encourage people to get outside and have a good time," Smith said.

Segar Nelson of Kirksville made the national tournament in 2010.