Track athletes only get a couple of chances to run at home.

Both Fort Dodge and St. Edmond girls will get their shot on Thursday when they compete in the 43rd annual Dodger Relays.

Action begins at 4:30 p.m. on J.H. Nitzke track.

Joining the home schools will be Humboldt, Manson Northwest Webster, Waukee Northwest, Des Moines Roosevelt, Forest City and Mason City.

“It doesn’t get much better than the Dodger Relays,” said Fort Dodge head coach Todd Constable, who is in his 19th season as Dodger coach. “Mr. (Brandon) Ruffridge has done a great job of putting this together and we have a lot of people helping out.

“Sam Moser (former FD boys track and football coach) and Fran Long are always doing a great job running from the starters’ spot.”

With construction going on at Dodger Stadium with new locker rooms and concession stands, fans are asked to enter on the Northwest side near the visitors locker room.

“It’s great to run at home. We’ve started to have meets closer to home, but it is great to run on your own track,” Constable said. “You only get one shot, sometimes too, but to be able to have grandma or grandpa not have to travel and watch their kids, is exciting.”

St. Edmond head coach CJ Tracky is glad to be able to showcase his squad.

“It’s going to be good to be in our hometown and not have to get on a bus,” Tracy said. “We travel pretty well, but to have the people in the community to be able to come and watch is great.”

With weather struggles in the spring, the Dodger Relays have been canceled two of the last three seasons.

“It’s tough sometimes to get this in, but it looks like rain in the morning (Thursday) and then clear at night,” Constable said. “So many people do a great job in our school district to pull this off.

“Everyone lends a helping hand and it’s important to have all hands on deck.”

The Gales, who have had some success this season, are looking forward to running in front of their fans.

“These kids have great support systems with their family members,” Tracy said. “Last year we had the luxury of having our conference meet inside Dodger Stadium.

“It’s good to hear more cheers from the Green and White.”