Local runner Chris Kelly recently took a pair of first-place finishes in a qualifier for the Hershey’s Track and Field Games held in Southern Pines.

The rising Pinecrest freshman won the 1,600-meter run with a time of 5:52 and the 800-meter run with a time of 2:36.57.

He advanced to a district meet held in Burlington, where he again took top honors in both events, running the 1,600 in 5:59.62 and the 800 in 2:44.37.

Next up was the state finals held at Meredith College in Raleigh on June 25. Running with a chance to qualify for the national event in Hershey, Pa., Kelly used a strong kick on the final lap to win the 1,600 with a time of 5:49.

His time will be compared with other 1,600 winners from nine states that make up the southern region. If it is good enough, he’ll receive an all-expense paid trip to compete in the Hershey’s Track and Field Games Aug. 5-8 as a member of the regional track team.

More information is available at hersheystrackandfield.com.