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Half marathon shirt design winner

JANELLE PATTERSON The Marietta Times Kyonna Adams, 10, of Marietta, is surprised to hear that her drawing will be on the T-shirts of Marietta's first half marathon. Adams also will receive a free ice cream cone every week for the next six months from McDonald's.

Washington Elementary students shouted their congratulations to Kyonna Adams, 10, of Marietta, Friday in their school’s gymnasium as her artwork was selected as the design to appear on the Marietta McDonald’s Half Marathon T-shirt.

“I’ve never won anything before,” exclaimed the surprised fourth-grader to her grandmother after the reveal. “It was amazing.”

Runners, walkers and cyclists will don Adams’ design Oct. 1 for the city’s first half marathon. The race is sponsored by several local businesses and will have registration open until 7:30 a.m. that day. Some small changes to the route occurred following the publishing of the map in The Marietta Times Sept. 14 edition due to safety concerns, see the updated map for the correct route.

Adams’ drawing was selected by the committee putting together the race event because of its depiction of the theme; Walk, Run, Play.

“We had to take into account what would translate well to a T-shirt and her drawing was perfect for it,” said Brian Anderson, the race director, on Thursday. “We had 30 submissions to choose from and it was a tough choice for sure.”

Adams said her drawing was in an anime form, a favorite style for the young artist.

“I could show how happy the kids were to be walking, running and playing that way,” she explained. “I want to do the 5K next week too, but I don’t know if I’ll walk or ride my bike.”

The artist’s grandmother and great-grandmother slipped in the back of the gymnasium to watch the announcement and catch Adams’ reaction as well.

“I don’t know whose heart was beating faster,” said Joanne Miller, Adam’s great-grandmother, while choking back tears. “I’m so proud of her.”

“She’s always been wonderful with her art both at school and at home,” said Brenda Miller, Adam’s grandmother. “I got the call Tuesday that she won, that was a tough secret to keep quiet. And now they want her to draw the thank you card for the crew that builds the new playground too.”

Laurie Strahler, owner of the McDonald’s in Marietta, said she was excited to not only announce the winner of the design contest, but also award Adams with a free ice cream cone every week for the next six months.

“The look on her face was priceless,” said Strahler. “I hope this got the kids excited about the race and maybe they’ll bring their families to participate. They’re what it’s about in the end.”

Proceeds of the race will benefit the playground next to Washington Elementary, a park which is owned by the city.

“We’re going to be able to donate more than $17,000,” said Strahler. “It’s been amazing how many people have stepped up and said they would be a sponsor for this.”

Cheryl Swaney, secretary of the elementary school, said preliminary designs by Pickering and Associates are already in the works for updates to the park.

“That’s 1969 playground equipment out there so we’re trying to utilize the space with the playground, basketball court and soccer field a bit better,” she explained. “We’d like to add a walking track to go around the playground and to connect the elevation changes,”

Alicia McIntire, principal of Washington Elementary, said she was thankful to both Anderson and Strahler for their investment of time and love that will bring the school’s children an updated park.

For more information or to sign up for one of the races, visit runsignup.com/Race/OH/Marietta/MariettaMcDonaldsHalfMarathon.

 

If you go

≤ Marietta McDonald’s races will take place Oct. 1 throughout the city (see the map on Page B2 for road closures).

≤ All routes will begin and end at the Parking Partners lot on Second Street.

≤  Strollers will only be allowed in the 5K and 1 mile dash.

≤ To register for a race, visit runsignup.com/Race/OH/Marietta/MariettaMcDonaldsHalfMarathon.

Packet pick-up and Pasta Dinner:

• Sept. 30, 5-8 p.m. at the Lafayette Hotel.

• Price: $10 per participant.

• Last minute packet pick-up will also be from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Lafayette.

Marietta McDonald’s Half Marathon

≤  Start time: 8:10 a.m.

≤  Price: $55.

≤  Price increases to $65 after Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m.

Marietta McDonald’s Half Marathon Bike Race

≤  Start time: 8 a.m.

≤  Price: $45.

≤  Price increases to $55 after Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m.

Marietta McDonald’s 5k Run/Walk

≤   Start time: 8:20 a.m.

≤   Price: $45.

≤   Price increases to $55 after Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m.

Marietta McDonald’s 1 Mile Downtown Dash

≤   Start time: 8:30 a.m.

≤   Price: $35.

≤   Price increases to $45 after Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m.

Source: Brian Anderson, race coordinator.

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