I would like any insight in to what the best high school track invitationals are in the country in terms of competition and atmosphere. My daughter runs for a small private school in Colorado. The school does not usually travel to big meets. This year we have a few very solid kids and are trying to get to one big/prestigious meet.
We have heard only great things about: Arcadia Invitational
Penn Relays, Drake Relays, Texas Relays
We are looking for a fast competitive 1600/3200 field.
nothing much in Colorado
Penn is a really prestigious meet and has tough standards. But if you can hit the times I would highly recommend going. Texas has slightly less tough standards but the climate is usually very hot and humid, not always producing the fastest times. And while Drake is an amazing meet, the HS section is only open to Iowa HS athletes, so your daughters school would be out of luck.
West Coast Relays at Buchanan.
Pasco Invite, baby!
Arcadia is widely known as one of, if not the largest and most prestigious meet in the country
I've taken athletes to Arcadia twice--from across the country. The atmosphere is electric there--really top-notch. Depending on the event, the competition is, too. Sprints and jumps are OK, but throws and distance events are excellent.
Penn Relays
Here's another vote for Arcadia. Saturday seeded races are awesome. Athletes even come from the east coast for the guys 3200. It's pretty convenient for you in Colorado.
Chandler Rotary Invite in Phoenix is not a national level meet but has become quite large regionally and draws runners from New Mexico, West Texas, and Colorado, and would be close for you.
My daughter competed in the 1600 at Arcadia and competed at Penn Relays her sophomore-senior high school years and in college. Depending on the year, she ran the mile/3000/and or relays. Aracadia was fine, but didn't come close to Penn Relays. All top runners need to experience the Penn Relays.
Mount Sac Relays is another great option in California. Pretty much all the Pros run there. Also attracts all of east coast schools.
Arcadia tops penn in competition but penn has the history and atmosphere. When I first showed up to Arcadia I was like, really this is it? But then nearly 20 went sub 9 for the 3200.