Jim Ryun, Scott Russell join K-Nation at the historic Kansas Relays

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - There have been many a legend who have suited up and taken the track at the historic Kansas Relays, including Jim Ryun and Scott Russell.

Ryun, a three-time Olympian and silver medalist, became the first high school boy to run a sub-four-minute mile in 1964 and set the World record in the mile in 1967. Russell, a javelin thrower, represented Canada in the 2008 Olympics.

The pair of former Jayhawks made an appearance at this year's Relays at Rock Chalk Park. The event holds a special spot in the heart of Wichita native Jim Ryun, who competed there for Wichita East in high school and for the Jayhawks in college. He makes an effort to be present at the Relays often.

"It's a great tradition and we like to be able to talk to the next generation," Ryun said in a one-on-one interview with K-Nation's Caroline Soro. "There was someone who was willing to spend time with me and give me direction and inspiration, and you can't underestimate how valuable that inspiration is."

Ryun gave all of the credit for his success to the late and great Bob Timmons, who coached him at Wichita East and at Kansas.

Russell, on the other hand, is currently the track and field coach at Eudora High School. He's made a home for himself in the area, which is just outside of Lawrence, and couldn't stay away from the Relays.

"If you're here and you're watching just as a fan like me, you're seeing some of the best kids in the Midwest in all the events," Russell said in a one-on-one interview with K-Nation's Landon Reinhardt. "When you're pulling schools from East St. Louis, Oklahoma and Nebraska, you've got a Midwest competition here. It's not just a Kansas meet, so it's pretty important to get to."

This year's event set a new record with 5,500 entries, 4,630 individuals, 447 high schools and 106 colleges.

The interviews with Ryun and Russell aired in Sunday night's episode of K-Nation and can be watched above.