| See Dustin run, and run, and run, and run
Some are timed events, in which competitors run as far as they can in, say, 24 hours. Birdsong has three ultrarunning events under his belt from last year: a 40- miler, a 50K (31 miles) and a 100K (62 miles). All were in preparation for the Heartland Spirit of the Prairie 100-mile race Oct. 10 in the Flint Hills town of Cassoday, in northern Butler County. Birdsong also competed this year in the Pikes Peak Ascent, a 13.1-mile race up Pikes Peak in Colorado. He reached the top of the 14,110-foot mountain in 3 hours, 48 minutes. "That was my personal best," he said. He's run the ascent before, as well as the Pikes Peak Marathon, which is held the day after the half-marathon ascent. In 2007, he did both: the ascent one day; the marathon the next.
500 youths expected at Friday's one-miler
This weekend is truly a celebration of running in the area.
After the Elementary One-Mile come the two largest running events in Fort Wayne each year: Fort 4 Fitness and New Haven Classic. Fort 4 Fitness consists of a half-marathon and a 4-mile run totaling more than 5,000 runners and walkers. The New Haven Classic is a middle school and high school cross country invitational with more than 2,100 runners competing in eight races.
"I think it is phenomenal that there will be so many people running and walking in such a short span of time," Bird said of the three events. "It really says a lot about our community as runners, coaches, volunteers, fans, parents."
It all starts with Bird and the little guys at his cross country event. Yes, the races are on grass and spikes are allowed.
Join the race
The couple started running for fitness and then their son encouraged them to participate in running events. Since then, they have averaged some 50 events a year. Dick was in retail business for many years and after retirement, drove a school bus and is still driving. Barbara has been a homemaker. The couple has a son and a daughter and two grandchildren.They received the Fred Baxter Award (honoring a long-time Longview Event participant) in 2006.Not many participants since Harvest Classic began under guidance of Jim Stephens and Judy Bain have taken part for 22 years.Since 1998, 2,863 runners/walkers have taken part and a total of $44,510 has been raised for the HELP Warehouse, local food bank. A total of 444 took part in 2008 and $6,200 was raised.Race information is available from Dave Coons, 360-431-4630.Your support is appreciated.Kay GreenCommittee MemberLongviewWhy dig up the past?This letter is in response to those who have written on behalf of murdered residents of Cowlitz County.
Community awards to honour local heroes
In the running are the Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, Woodroad Regeneration Forum and the committee of Butterfly Events. Elsewhere, awards will be dished out to a host of winners who've given to their community. Nominees are – Contribution to the Community: Allies; the Board of Cumnock and District Leisure Group; The Lighthouse Foundation. Best Local Pub or Club: Porthead Tavern, Irvine; Coylton Arms; Madisons, Ayr. Unsung Hero: Marsie Stuart, Troon; Gordon Neil, Stewarton; Colin Young, Kilwinning. Business Person of the Year: Gilly Ferguson, Ayr; Craig Denholm, Irvine; Fiona Gale, Dreghorn. Local Business of the Year: The Cook School at Braehead Foods, Kilmarnock; Mainline Taxis, Ayr; Ayr Central Shopping Centre. Good Neighbour Award: Mr & Mrs Ernie Bush, Crosshouse; Steven and Cathy Grace, Ayr; Marlynn Lowe, Dreghorn.
Locals In Chase For Charity Award
And Dalmellington Fundraiser, Lorna Dempsey's Butterfly Events team are pitted head to head with the Woodroad Regeneration Forum in the battle for the Best Local Charity. Also in the running for the prestigious West Sound Awards are the Board of Cumnock and District Leisure Group in the Contribution to the Community category. To cast your vote visit http://tiny.cc/WestFM .
Freedom and Uncertainty
Now, life is much different, freedom comes in the form of running to the grocery store on my own, taking a shower without hearing “mommy," or getting 15 minutes to read a magazine. The fact that I felt liberated instead of worried or overwhelmed when I heard about my job, leads me to believe that in the end, I will find a position that is more suited for me. I have been so focused on the needs of everyone else in my life that this change of events is going to allow me to focus on myself again. It gives me the opportunity to explore different avenues. To feel like the free-spirited person I used to be. I realize that my optimism is not going to change the state of the job market, or the economy. I am not blind to the message that unemployment is at a record high and it will be a challenge finding a new job.
The Bratz Designer Counterpunches Mattel
Larian says he'll soon be running ads in magazines such as Parenting with the tagline "Your daughter's best friend shouldn't cost a fortune." Much about doll marketing is different since the Bratz line hit the scene in 2001. The lobby of MGA's Van Nuys (Calif.), headquarters is decorated with photos of celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba posing at fancy parties with Bratz dolls. These days celeb-filled soirées are out. Instead, Larian is spending a significant amount of his marketing budget online at sites such as Stardoll.com, a Web site where girls design virtual dolls. "It's a changing world," he says. Retailers seem to be embracing the new lines. Toys 'R' Us has featured both Moxie and Best Friends in its circulars. On Oct. 3 the chain held in-store events where girls could win Moxie prizes.
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