The Countdown Begins

I officially began working as Race Coordinator for this year's News and Sentinel Races last week. Having just finished my spring quarter classes the Friday before, I returned to The Parkersburg News last Monday excited to be working on the races once again.

A large number of entry forms greeted me on my desk, waiting to be entered into the Active system. With 67 days left until the Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race on Saturday, August 18th, it is so exciting to see that the number of registrants is rising at a steady pace. I am still in the early stages of coordinating the event, distributing registration brochures and taking inventory of last year's supplies, but things will pick up quickly within the next few weeks, including the number of entries. If you have yet to register, remember that the Half Marathon fee is only $40 if postmarked by July 16th, and that the Two-Mile Race is just $17 before that date. After July 16th the Half Marathon fee goes up to $45 and the Two-Mile fee to $20. The fee to register for the Half Marathon will increase one more time after July 31st to $50. The Tiny Tot Trot and Junior Races fees remain $5 all summer.

Since I was the Assistant Race Coordinator last year, I was able to participate in the Two-Mile Race. This year I will be too busy on race day to participate in either event. However, that does not mean that I am not staying active this summer. Coordinating the races takes up most of my time during the day, but I have been using half of my lunch hour to walk around downtown Parkersburg in order to stay active during the day. One day last week, Logistical Director Art Smith and I decided to take a walk along the 2-Mile route. I expected this to be a rather easy stroll until Art suggested that we veer from the route and take the Quincy Street steps, more ominously known as the Quincy Street Hill. We have heard that these steps are a popular training spot for our Half Marathon runners. After climbing the 184 steps to the top, I can see why! Walking up so many stairs at a steady pace is no easy feat, and I can only imagine how difficult running up them must be. Reaching the top is definitely rewarding, though, so if you are looking for a spot to train for this year's races, consider these stairs!

The countdown to this year's News and Sentinel Races has begun. I will continue to update you on the progress of this year's event as it comes together. Keep the registrations coming in!