It’s almost race time

On Aug. 15, the streets of Parkersburg will be full of runners and walkers taking part in the News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race. If past races are any indication, you can expect to see about 2,000 people take to the street that morning.

It’s been an honor to be part of the race for the last 14 years. Watching not only the runners and walkers but also the 1,000 or so volunteers aiding the racers really helps to underscore how great of a community we live in.

The races are above all, community events. A huge number of athletes competing in the races come from across the Mid-Ohio Valley. They are teachers, doctors, store owners, students and retirees that take part in the races. They aren’t professional runners, they train after work and after school to be the best that they can be — and on the third Saturday in August they show up in the 200 block of Juliana Street to run alongside some of the best runners in the world.

Watching the volunteers help the races out, seeing residents cheer them on from their yards and seeing sponsors share their resources with the race is one of the things that make the area a great place to live and work.

It’s not too late to register, you can click on the REGISTER tab on NewsandSentinelHalfMarathon.com and either register online or print an entry form and get it to us. You can also register in person at the packet pick-up next Friday, Aug. 14,  at the Parkersburg Municipal Building from 2-9 p.m. The races are a chance for you to be a part of something big. We hope to see you there.