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If you are reading this late Saturday morning, your friends, family and neighbors may already be one step ahead of you. Many of them are as much as 30,000 steps ahead of you because they have already competed in and completed the News and Sentinel Half Marathon or Two-Mile race.
The newspaper has been the lead sponsor of the race since 2002. We took a two-year break during COVID, which means that this was the 21st race that I have worked on. That's more than 300 miles of racing.
That's a lot of miles, and a lot of people, running and walking thousands of miles. Hundreds of people from Marietta, Parkersburg, local communities and not-so-close communities do the race every year.
Anyone that has ever planned a party, or large family dinner knows about all the details that you must consider.
A half marathon is no different, except:
There are a lot more people. The half marathon started at 8 a.m., the two-mile race 10 minutes later. They share some streets sometimes, but mostly they go their own ways. Parkersburg Police do a great job blocking traffic, the street department does a great job with roadblocks and markings for the race. Because the race goes in and out of the city, Wood County Sheriff and West Virginia State Police also help with it.
The race takes a lot of volunteers. Hundreds of people donate their time to make sure the runners are safe. Some work in the medical tent, while others serve pasta, or hand out water. We could not do the race without them. I cannot thank them enough, so I will do it again. Thank you, volunteers.
Racers drink a lot. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things that you can do while exercising. More than a dozen water stops make sure that this happens. Some runners drink the water, others pour it on top of their heads. Some drink the Gatorade available to replenish what their bodies are losing during the race. Hopefully no one dumps the Gatorade on their heads. The National Guard and Culligan Water help us with the water. Volunteers for a wide variety of organizations help pass it out.
Many of those participating come and do the races every year. I've watched some participants grow up over the two decades while I have watched others grow old. It's appropriate that the race is held during the Parkersburg Homecoming Weekend because for many people at the races they are returning home to a "family" they have been hanging out with for decades.
Are you ready to join the fun? Next year's race is Aug. 16 and registration will be open later today.
Art Smith is the online manager of The Times and News and Sentinel, and co-director of The News and Sentinel races.