BROOKLYN — The greatest racing events in the state annually take place at Michigan International Speedway. These events don’t just include auto racing.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals will be held at MIS on Saturday, with thousands of the state’s top high school boys and girls cross country runners hitting the track for the 16th straight year. With thousands of competitors, fans and their families converging on MIS, the MHSAA Cross Country Finals has grown into another major racing event for the Irish Hills track.

“We’re always excited to work with the Michigan High School Athletic Association to host the cross country finals every year,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “Even though MIS is known for NASCAR racing events, this cross country meet is very similar in that it brings racings best to the Irish Hills, but just in another form. It’s always a fun day for everyone involved and great for our local businesses.”

Although the competitors don’t race on the actual two-mile MIS oval, the 3.1-mile course (5K) begins in the infield, continues throughout the back woods, campgrounds and parking lots just east of the track and finishes in the tri-oval near the actual start/finish line used for NASCAR races.

“We always enjoy the relationship we have with MIS in making this event so successful,” MHSAA Assistant Director Mark Uyl said. “Over the past 16 years, this event has grown tremendously and we appreciate all the support from MIS and everyone else involved in making it happen. MIS serves as a great neutral site for this championship event that the runners and their families really enjoy coming to every year.”

Gates for the finals open at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, with the first race beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $7 per person. A full schedule of events and other meet information can be found at MHSAA.com