More than 600 competitors expected for Run the Line

TEXARKANA, Texas — More than 600 people will be running all over both sides of the state line Sunday morning.

The event will be the annual half-marathon (13.1 miles) that will begin at 7:30 a.m. today in front of the BiState Justice Building.

The finish line will be at Hopkins Ice House on Third Street.

John Baker of Boston, Mass., was the winner last year with a time of 1:12.55.

Since he has some of his family locally, he will be back to defend his title.

A top challenger could have been Vincent Nchogun, the No. 1 TAMU-T cross country runner.

But his coach is sending the team’s No. 3 runner, Brandon White.

The winner of the female race could be wide open as last year’s winner, Julia Webb of Florida, will not be returning to defend her title. Her time last year was 1:24.43.

Also, a previous multitime winner, Tia Stone of Little Rock, will not compete as she has an injury.

That leaves Elizabeth Gillette, a former outstanding runner from Trinity Christian High School, as a potential challenger to claim the women’s title.

As what has happened several times in the past, a surprise runner or two may show up and claim top honors in both divisions.

In addition to the full half-marathon, there will be two- and four-person teams. A popular event for those that do not want to run the full 13.1 miles.

Several of the runners use this race as a tuneup before the Boston Marathon in April.

One of those is Frank Bright, a 79-year-old.

Bright, along with Mary Jo Brintman, 81, will probably be the oldest runners.

Several long-distance runners like Prescott’s Jeff Haynes, Mineral Springs Kim Howard (male), and Don Still of Hope should compete for top honors in their age divisions.

There will be several age divisions, ranging from 13-year-olds to 65-and-over.

Racquet and Jog will be giving gift certificates to the top three in all age divisions.

If one has not registered for the race, it also can be done at Racquet and Jog on Richmond Road.

The deadline for entries is midnight Saturday, which can also be done online.

There will be no signups on race day.

Today, at the Christas St. Michael Imaging Center, children 12-and-under will be finishing their 13.1-mile run.

Each participant will have run 12 miles prior to Saturday, and will run the final 1.1 miles today.

The event takes place today at 4 p.m.

Red Bone Brewing Co. will be providing some refreshments, along with several other organizations.

TISD school children will be working the food lines.