Runners for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race will begin arriving in Parkersburg today. Participants have several attractions available to occupy their time before Saturday morning's race begins.
Early race registration is still available for runners today at the Parkersburg Municipal Building at 1 Government Square. Runners can pick up their race packet and shop at the Runners Expo from 2-9 p.m. Packets for the half marathon and two-mile race also can be picked up on race day from 6-7 a.m. at the Parkersburg Municipal Building. (Racers will not be permitted to register for the half marathon or two-mile race on Saturday.)
Runners can take advantage of the pre-race pasta dinner held tonight from 4:30-9 p.m. at the St. Francis Xavier Hall near the finish line. The cost of the dinner for Half Marathon participants is included in the entry fee. Guests and two-mile racers may buy tickets at the dinner. Two-milers will get a discount coupon at packet pickup.
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Runners line up in 2014
Once again, the race has attracted a strong field of international and national runners, including former race winner Alene Reta. Five-time defending champion Julius Kogo of Kenya, will not be competing this year do to issues with his travel papers.
Race director Chip Allman has also put together one of the strongest women's fields in the history of the event this year, with a variety of runners from throughout the globe possessing the potential to be the first to cross the finish line on Market Street.
After the half marathon contenders clear Juliana Street, it will be time for the News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race to start. The winner will usually complete the course in approximately 10 minutes although many of those enter do so more for the exercise and to be a part of the major event. Awards will be presented at 9:45 a.m. at the Bicentennial Park area. Team trophies will also be distributed.
Contact Eddie Thomas at ethomas@newsandsentinel.com