One hundred and fifty-plus runners in grades first through sixth are preparing for the Chickamauga Junior Marathon run being held Nov. 10.
The runners will start the one-mile run at noon on Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe.
"The runners get really excited about it," said race director Denny Marshall. "Runners should wear their school cross country shirts, running shorts and wear good running shoes."
He said his son, Lance Marshall, 10, knows how to pace himself in the race. He said pacing at the start is best.
The event is the final leg of the 2012 Junior Miracle Marathon supporting the Children's Hospital Foundation, which junior runners have been running on their own time, and is being organized by the Chattanooga Track Club. The final one mile Nov. 10 will bring participants to a total of 26.2 miles run through the overall marathon. Each runner will receive a tie-dyed T-shirt and a medal.
"The finish line for the kids will be the finish line for the adult marathon, so it gives them a cool experience," said Marshall. "With the trend toward obesity, marathons help young runners stay in shape. It's important for them to be active at their age."
Children participating in the race will have the chance to win two bicycles, shoe store gift certificates as well as sporting goods from Fast Break, Front Runner and Rock/Creek.
"The cool thing about a race is you race against the clock, not against others," he said. "You always try to top your best time."
On your marks
Runners can register for the Chickamauga Junior Marathon race Friday, Nov. 9 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Fort Oglethorpe. The second option to register is the day of the event, Nov. 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. in Barnhardt Circle. Registration fee is $10 per runner. Funds raised go to Children's Hospital at Erlanger. To learn more contact race director Denny Marshall at jrmarathon@chattanoogatrackclub.org.