Ryan @ the Kids’ Marathon – the winner!

Mom was so excited that she completely missed a picture of Ryan crossing the finish line in first place. We are hoping that the Greenville News’ staff photographer will make us proud and relieved.
Ryan had to run 25 miles before today (easy-peasy) & then raced for 1.2 miles to finish off the kids’ marathon. The race finished inside Fluor Field, the Greenville Drive’s baseball stadium.
Scott was outside the stadium & saw Ryan & his friend Austin running neck & neck until the last hill. Ryan’s final time for 1.2 miles? 6:05 – a 5” mile pace. The pacer on the bicycle played with the kids, “Can you catch me? You think you can catch me???”  

Ryan & his friend Michael went running in the neighborhood several times & at the middle school on Friday afternoons. Michael finished a short time after Ryan. What did these typical preteens want to do once they finished the race? “Snack table!!!!” They returned several times & it was probably the highlight of the day for them.
We spent the rest of the day watching other racers. We walked out to Augusta Road & saw the first half marathon guy racer go by. (He sold me my shoes – maybe I will get faster?!) Then we went back & saw Michael’s dad run & finish the 5k in about 20”.
Greenville is not a very big place & a lot of people that we know like to run. Scott went out on the course & ran with & cheered for my friends. My friend Danielle placed second in her age group with 1:33 for the half-marathon. (13.1 miles) Several other friends ran their first half marathons. I have signed up with my mom & my sister to run in Myrtle Beach in February. Time to lace up those sneakers.
BTW For my friend Kristin’s race report (and a picture of Scott running a bit with her) you can visit her blog.