Olympic runners raced on Staten Island Saturday evening.
The Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex hosted the first annual Ocean Breeze Grand Prix.
Fifteen olympians along with four hundred and fifty youth and high school runners competed at the meet which included elite races named after former Staten Island runners.
Officials with the event tell us the younger runners had a unique opportunity to share the same facility wuth the professionals.
"A lot of the kids look up to these athletes so to be able to put them on the same playing field it really makes a big difference and it lets them, you know, establish more goals and look at their future a little bit differently." said Lauren Primerano, Ocean Breeze Park Administrator.
"They bring an enthusiasm to the track that you do not always see and it is also nice to inspire the younger generation so hopefully we can give them a good show tonight." said Justine Fedronic, French Olympian.
Staff at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex tell us this is the first of many elite competitions that will be held at the facility.