Come join the fun

If you think you have seen a lot of people running lately it is likely because they are training for a race. There is a good chance that that race is either the News and Sentinel Half Marathon, or the News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race.

Around 60 percent of people wait until the last minute to register for the race and we are approaching that time. We currently have more than 800 registered for the races. That number is expected to grow to more than 2,000 by the time the announcer invites runners to “take your mark.”

We are expecting some of the best runners in the world to show up. It’s a joy to watch them run five-minute miles for more than an hour. They are truly remarkable athletes.

The races are not really about them though. It’s about you.

It’s about you and thousands of other people around the valley that somehow find the time to exercise. Between work, school, and taking care of families they find the time to train for the races.

Will any one of you win? I hope so, but the reality for most people that run in races, it doesn’t matter. They want to do well, perhaps win their age category, but most do the races to prove something to themselves. Getting a PR, or a personal record, is a big deal for everyone. Beating a friend or co-workers can give you something to boast about come Monday morning. Just finishing is an achievement for some.

The Half Marathon and the Two-Two Mile Race give you two unique options. The 13.1 miles of the half marathon takes runners anywhere from just over an hour to just under four hours to finish. It’s an achievement for everyone that takes part in in. The two-mile race is competitive for some; with the winner typically finishing in less than 10 minutes, and a leisurely stroll for others, with the last place person crossing the finish lines just minutes before the winners of the half marathon.

Regardless of your ability there is distance that can suit you. Come join the fun, you many even be able to earn Monday morning bragging rights.