The 45th annual Dodger Relays will be held on the girls’ side Thursday – if the weather cooperates.

The forecast is calling for showers and possibly heavy thunderstorms. The weather wiped out last year’s event as well.

Action begins inside historic Dodger Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on the J.H. Nitzke track.

The Dodgers will be joined by St. Edmond, Manson Northwest Webster, Humboldt, Waukee Northwest, Des Moines Roosevelt, Forest City and Mason City.

“The weather doesn’t look great, but I hope it holds off because the kids get one shot to run at home,” said Fort Dodge head coach Todd Constable. “We just want to make sure the kids are performing at their best as we head toward peaking for the district and state meet.

“This is the opportunity for family and friends to watch their athletes that don’t get a chance to travel to observe.”

Constable is hoping to see the girls improve their times.

“Obviously you want to win your races, but the bigger picture is we want to get the right relays together,” Constable said. “The Dodger Relays give us another chance to improve on our times. We have to focus on what we can do and control what we can and look for a PR.

“We want the girls to beat their time and keep battling.”

In its 45 years of existence, the Dodger Relays has turned into one of the top events in the state.

“From Mr. (Brandon) Ruffridge (activities director), starters, grounds crew and Mike and Josh Smith, who do the timing system, this event is great,” Constable said. “We have great volunteers that take time out of their night. We have good people in our community that make sure it’s run well.

“It’s an awesome event in one of the most iconic stadiums in the state.”