Seine Bight Running Club Update

By WANDA STAKUTIS Press Officer, Seine Bight Running Club gregvwandas@gmail.com

The kids have been working hard preparing for all the different races. Most of the kids just participated in the inaugural Splash Half Marathon and Relay Half Marathon and really enjoyed the experience. While putting this article together, the younger runners are getting ready for the next Young Runners for Life race being held on Oct. 27. Special thanks to Linn Wilson who has donated some stuffed animals, t shirts and Goss chocolate bars to be given out to the winners of this race. The race is open to all students ages nine to 18, and we are looking forward to having participants from the brand new Splash Junior Runners fromPlacencia.

The last race in the series this year will be held on Nov. 24. At the conclusion of that finale race for 2018, grand prizes will be awarded based on results accumulated over the four races.

The older students and young adults are also training for the End of the World Half Marathon on Dec. 9. Additionally, we've been working on baton passing and sprints and are hoping to introduce some sprint races next year. We will be working with the youth to help them find the distance that works best for them, whether it's 100, 200, 400-meter sprints or middle distance and long distance.

We now have between 35 and 40 kids starting at age six, coming out every Saturday at the early hour of 6 a.m.! (We are still looking for more coaches and support people, so we can work more one-on-one with the kids as they develop their running skills).

We are all looking forward to next year. With the formation of Splash Junior Runners it gives the kids more opportunities to compete. While everyone who comes out loves to run there is a greater incentive to train when there is competition. Hopefully, we will see other running clubs for youth in Independence and some of the other nearby villages.

As always, many thanks to everyone who supports our club. Most of the kids do not have shoes, so we rely on donations for shoes (a constant need as they wear out or are outgrown). Thanks to the first annual Splash Half Marathon for raising funds for some desperately needed supplies. We are now able to purchase another water jug (the kids go through A LOT of water!), some first aid supplies and the miscellaneous things needed for the races such as fruit, ribbons, bibs, pins and water bags. We will also be able to purchase a few other things needed to take the club to the next level. ▪