VIENNA - A design drawn by a Jackson Middle School student will appear on mugs awarded to runners and walkers in the 15th annual Vienna River Road Race in April. Seventh-grader Addie Christie, a student in the Honors Art Program, drew a winding road filled with footprints next to the Ohio River. "We chose her design from about 25 entrees," said race organizer Lou Molinaro. "We always look for something catchy and original. We could tell she put a lot of thought into it." Each year, students in the Honors art class of teacher Kay Mason have a chance to win the design contest. The Honors Art Program at Jackson Middle School is made up of students in grades six through eight who must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and submit a portfolio to join the program. "We like to keep the kids and community involved," said Molinaro. "This race is popular in the River City Runners and Walkers Series and also in the community of Vienna. It drew more than 200 participants last year." The top three racers in all 13 categories will receive mugs printed with Christie's design. The 15th annual Vienna River Road Race is sponsored by Camden Clark Medical Center, Memorial Campus and the City of Vienna. It will take place April 16, with the five-mile run beginning at 8 a.m. and the 5K walk beginning at 8:05 a.m. Runners and walkers will start and finish at the Jackson Middle School track. The run and walk are rolling, closed-loop courses. The surface is paved, except for the crushed limestone track. A team competition will be featured, with one award for each school and church team, based on the number of finishers. Team members are eligible for all other awards, but participants can only be on one team and all members of a team must fill out an entry form. "This race is also the kickoff of the Kids' Series," said Molinaro. "The kids' races have been very successful. We want the youth to be more active and get them to see exercise as fun. It gets them off the couch." The free River City Kids' Races will start at 9 a.m., with ribbons given to all participants. There will be a wheelchair division with a starting time of 7:55 a.m. Entry forms can be obtained by contacting Molinaro at 304-295-5088. Registration will be April 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and race day from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Vienna Community Building in Jackson Park. Kids sign-up will continue until 9 a.m. at the track. The cost to enter the adult race is $12 if entries are postmarked by April 9. Members of the River City Runners and Walkers Club can enter for $10. After April 10 and on the day of the race, the cost to enter is $15. Entries can be turned in on the day of the race. All race participants will receive a T-shirt printed with last year's logo. Door prizes will be given away to participants who are present.
Article Photos
Race organizer Lou Molinaro, from left, Jackson Middle School student Addie Christie and art teacher Kay Mason display the winning design, which will be displayed on Vienna River Road Race mugs. (Photo by Natalee Seely)