by Jo Hill

I am not an early riser, but soon after I woke I heard drums and harmonica music as
well as voices drifting up to my apartment.  Living downtown is great, but sometimes sleeping in is hard, because racers need something special to run to or so it seems.

Sorry, folks, I didn’t get there in time to snap pictures of the first runners across the line.  I let the news and early birds do that.  Nollen Plaza was full of runners, friends, family, and market goers all having a great time. 

Most of the runners were finished by the time my camera and I got there, but I got a
chance to take get photos of the first ever One Year Old Race –Kids Run.   Cameras
were ready and they were off and running, Mommy or Daddy by their side or cheering
them on.  The race was won by the little guy in red who lead all the way.  But he had competitor close on his heels.  Even at one we saw the making of great runners.  Some run for sheer joy and some run through the pain.  Yes, the little fellow in gray kept moving forward crying all the way.

 

In the two year old class the little racer in yellow stole the race and everyone’s heart went he took off before the signal,  But since he was so eager to run he was cheered all the way.  He was allowed first place.  At two you can have a false start.   Two of my other favorites were Mr. Cool and Miss Joyful.