Sunday, August 22, 1999 -- Parkersburg
Shoney Bear Trot & GraphicComm Junior Races
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Results]

Little legs, but big strides

On a beautiful, sunny, Sunday afternoon in Parkersburg, children between the ages of 3 and 11 were running rampant. What may be surprising is that all the parents were encouraging them, even cheering for them to run their hardest.

The annual Shoney Bear Trot for the 3-5 year olds, and the GraphicComm Junior Races for the 6-11 year olds had the Parkersburg High School Stadium buzzing with excitement. With the youngest harriers racing only 100 meters, and the surprisingly fast 6-11 year olds racing 200, 400, or 800 meters, all the children had a chance to strut their stuff amongst equal competition, and in front of a crowd of over 100 cheering fans.

These girls are fast!

All competitors received T-shirts and ribbons for finishing, with prizes going to the 1st and 2nd place finishers. The Shoner Bear was there, posing for pictures, and thrilling the hearts of the youngest runners.

None of this would have been possible without the hard work of countless volunteers who simultaneously worked as judges, cheerleaders, and timekeepers. Thanks also go out to Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital and Shoney's Family Neighborhood Restaurant as well as GrahicComm for their sponsorship.

If you have a little one, bring him/her out next year, and give them a chance to feel the thrill of racing, just don't plan on keeping up with them.