photo by: Kansas Athletics

Kansas freshman Zach Bradford soars over the bar during the pole vault event at this weekend's Kansas Relays at Rock Chalk Park. Bradford broke a 36-year-old KU record in the event by clearing 18 feet, 11 inches during one of his attempts on Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Kansas Athletics)

The Kansas Relays won’t be held in 2022 because of “ongoing challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kansas Athletics announced Tuesday.

In a news release announcing the postponement, Kansas Athletics officials said the plan is for the Relays to return in 2023 from April 13 to April 15, when KU will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the track and field event.

“We are incredibly proud of the history of the Kansas Relays as well as the significance of the event for our university, the sport of track and field, Lawrence and the state of Kansas,” KU Athletic Director Travis Goff said in the release. “The Kansas Relays is a signature event with a rich history, and we are committed to making the 2023 version the best yet.”

KU has hosted the Kansas Relays almost every year since 1923. The event was not held from 1943 to 1945 because of World War II; stadium renovations meant the event couldn’t be held in 1998 and 1999; and the event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19.

KU track coach Stanley Redwine said the decision to drop the 2022 event was “disappointing and difficult,” but he said he was already looking forward to the Relays’ return in 2023.

“It will be a special year for the Relays as we honor the centennial anniversary and welcome back great high school, collegiate and professional athletes,” Redwine said.