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In less than a month, hundreds of runners and walkers will take to the streets of Parkersburg for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon and The News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race on Aug. 17.
If you are a person that takes exercise seriously, you might want to give the half marathon a try. I will not sugar coat it and say that it is easy, it is after all 13.1 miles. It is doable if you are moderately fit. Runners and walkers come in all shapes and sizes. The idea is to have fun, and spending a morning with hundreds of like-minded people is sure to carry you up and over the hills of the course.
Don't let the fact that you are not as young, or as in shape as you were when you graduated high school. Most people are not. I certainly know that I'm not. I was 58 when I did my first half, so don't let age get in the way.
You also do not need to be able to run the whole distance. Many people run the flats and the downhills and walk the uphill portions. You will not be alone if you do so, in fact, you might meet a new fitness partner somewhere along the course.
When you finish, we will hang an award around your neck, if you win one of the many categories you will win prize money. We also feed you the night before and following the race.
The two-mile race is held at the same time as the half marathon and is perfect for the serious runner, the casual runner, the slow runner, the occasional walker, the parent with the stroller -- you get the idea. The News and Sentinel two-mile is for everyone:
It's the perfect way to take part in the Parkersburg Homecoming Weekend. Stick around afterward and cheer on the half marathoners; then stick around a little longer and watch Parkersburg's biggest parade go by.
I've been involved with the race since 2002 - I've watched my children grow up doing the races and I'm proud of the fact that every member of my family has done the half at least once, and the two-mile nearly every other year.
Myself? I will be on the race course cheering you, my family, co-workers and friends down Market Street. If you see me on a golf cart, flag me down, I likely will have a bottle of ice-cold water for you.
Art Smith is online manager of The Times and co-director of the News and Sentinel Race. He can be reached at asmith@newsandsentinel.com.