Relay the Message: News and Sentinel Two

Jun 5, 2023

Racers take off from the starting line of the 2022 Parkersburg News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race in downtown Parkersburg. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race doesn't have to be every man and woman for himself or herself.

Businesses, families, schools, churches and more enter the shorter of the featured races as teams.

"The News and Sentinel Two-Mile is an excellent opportunity to connect with friends, family or co-workers in a way that not only gives you a chance to get a little exercise but compete against your neighbors in one of Parkersburg's biggest events," said Art Smith, News and Sentinel Half Marathon co-director.

"The Two-Mile is much shorter than the Half," said Jacqualin Leaman, Half Marathon coordinator and a track and field athlete at West Virginia Wesleyan College. "You don't have to go through as many hills. It's friendly to people who … just want to come out and do the community event."

Some teams may set a goal to cross the finish line together while others compete against each other, even as their times are compared to other groups,’ Leaman said.

A team from Tyler Consolidated gathers before a past Parkersburg News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race in downtown Parkersburg. (File Photo)

There's no limit on the number of members a team can have, but placement is determined by comparing the times of the top four finishers across each group.

Leaman said some groups enter the race for conditioning purposes, team-building or even advertising.

Nancy Goff, a member of the race committee, said her employer, Kuraray, has fielded a team for five years. They usually have 25 to 30 people participating.

"It's been a good time. And we even have the little kids with us too," Goff said. "I think it brings everybody together outside the office."

Schools often enter teams in the race. Sometimes it's a cross country team, but it can be cheer and dance squads as well, Leaman said.

"One year an entire wrestling team (from) Williamstown competed," Smith said.

Registration is open now for the News and Sentinel Two-Mile Race and Half Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19, in downtown Parkersburg. People can register online at newsandsentinelhalfmarathon.com.

Entry is $23.54, including tax, for the Two-Mile before July 15, and $64.20 for the Half.

To receive a discount code for groups of 10 or more registering together, contact Leaman at [email protected] or by calling 304-485-1891, ext. 459.

Evan Bevins can be reached at [email protected].

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