City welcomes youth runners Friday night
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The 11th annual Elementary 1 Mile race has become a must-do event for young runners across northern Indiana. The event will be held in Columbia City's Morsches Park this Friday, September 23, 2011.
Over 500 young runners in the third, fourth and fifth grades are expected to participate this year, representing more than 40 schools.
"This event is strictly geared to our youth runners and the Cross Country format allows for the runners and parents learn about the sport," said race coordinator Gary Bird.
The course is a certified mile, all grass, through Morches Park. The third graders begin the race at 5:30 p.m. with other grades following shortly thereafter, Bird added.
All participants receive a race shirt, pizza and awards. Additionally, top finishers of each race are presented with trophies. The race also offers a school competition score like traditional cross country meets and it is also competitive for the fifth grade divisions.
Race day registration begins at 3 p.m. The registration fee is $10.
Complete results will be posted on RunIndiana.com and the event is fully sanctioned by USA Track & Field.