CANTON -- The fifth annual Fastest Kid in the North Country competition took place at St. Lawrence University late Saturday morning at the indoor track facility of the Newell Field House.

The event kicked off the start of the St. Lawrence Track and Field Team's home competition, the Saints Holiday Relays.

Hundreds of spectators were on hand to encourage and celebrate the efforts of the 77 entrants in races of 55 or 200 meter distance of the indoor track. Competitors six years and younger contested the straight away sprint of 55 meters and the children aged seven to ten competed around one complete circuit of the 200 meter oval.

Age group champions were awarded a commemorative holiday ornament and the bragging rights of being the "Fastest Kid in the North Country." All participants received a candy cane treat along with tons of support from the many family members and college track and field athletes and coaches that were on hand for the day’s events.

Children from the local communities of Canton, Heuvelton, Madrid, Massena, Potsdam, Rensselaer Falls and Waddington were entered in this annual event. The "Fastest Kid in the North Country" competition is sponsored by the St. Lawrence University Track and Field Program. A food or cash donation was accepted in lieu of an entry fee, and the donations will be forwarded to the local food pantry. Next year's event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.

• The 2012 Fastest Kids in the North Country are:

55 Meter Distance (straight away)

2 yrs. 20.96 seconds - Owen Hughs, Potsdam

3 yrs. 15.07 seconds - Jack Pitts, Potsdam (Age Group Record)

4 yrs. 13.98 seconds - Sarah Elaban, Potsdam

5 yrs. 12.82 seconds - Isaiah White, Heuvelton

6 yrs. 11.07 seconds - Matthew Tupper, Canton

• 200 Meter Distance (1 Lap)

7 yrs. 38.20 seconds - Tanner Smith, Waddington (Age Group Record)

8 yrs. 36.03 seconds - Hayden Bregg, Canton (Age Group Record)

9 yrs. 37.07 seconds - Nick Vandevere, Canton

10 yrs. 36.15 seconds - Katie Chisholm, Canton