The javelin is an event contested in less that half of the state meets nationwide. Colorado Track XC file photo.
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Most casual observers usually assume that high school track & field is the same across the nation. Once you get into it, however, you see that there is a lot of regional variation.
Different states not only compete in different events, but also score a different number of athletes at the state meet.
The table below shows the track and field events and number of scoers for each state championship meet. Every state has the 100, 200, 400, 800, 100/110 hurdles, 4x100, 4x400, high jump, long jump, shot put, and discus, so these events are not included on the table. All other events are included. Red indicates the state has that event. White indicates the state does not have the event. Yellow means the state has the event, but only for one gender. Note that Massachusetts is the only state that still runs the mile and two mile instead of metric equivalents. Additionally (though this is only outdoor) New York has the 1500 meter racewalk for girls during the indoor season--one of just two states to contest a walk during either season.
Thank you to Alan Versaw, the editor of our Colorado sister site, for compiling this interesting data!
Now to start compiling a list for cross country to show the variations in distances there!