Carla Clark | For The Republic Brandi Baker tries to stay dry as she brings in equipment for the Diversity Blood Center blood drive during the Mill Race Marathon Free Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Commons, Columbus, Ind., Friday, September 27, 2024
Mill Race Marathon runners and walkers said at Friday’s expo event at The Commons Friday that they refuse to allow Mother Nature to rain on their parade of enjoyment and success today at the three planned events: a 5K, a half-marathon and the full race.
The forecast for today calls for a 96 percent chance of rain today.
Martinsville resident Josh Craven is concerning himself with the expected wetness only to be prepared to keep his feet dry during the full marathon — his first at the Mill Race. So he spent some time at the expo looking over foot gels to protect himself while aiming for mile times of maybe 8.5-minute miles, his personal best.
“The rain adds only a slightly different element,” Craven said, looking over a display of a foot products designed to help with rain, including something called Sport Shield. “It’ll probably be impossible to stay totally dry. You just have to find a way to push through.”
Brandi Legge, a runner and owner of White River Running Company, was selling everything from nutritional supplements to shoes and gear at her business booth. Also, if prodded, she reminded runners to opt for thin, moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.
“Thicker ones tend to hold on to moisture,” she said.
Thao Tran stopped by the expo to pick up race packets for 13 family members, from siblings to cousins, mostly for the 5K and “mostly just for fun,” she said.
She chuckled and beamed when asked who is the best runner of the bunch.
“Me!” she said with emphasis.
Natalie Adkins was there with 2-year-old grandson Theo Allen. The youngster, sucking on a lollipop, was scheduled for Friday’s Kid’s Fun Run. Adkins herself was originally slated for the half marathon until a right knee injury changed her plans. Instead, she’ll opt for the 5K, aiming for a grace-filled time of maybe 40 minutes. Fully healthy, she normally would complete such a distance in 30 minutes.
“I’m just going to do the best that I can,” she said.
Her husband Mark still will run the half, and she plans to be along the course urging him on.
Jason Carr is happy that the left knee he recently injured while doing squats has been restored enough for vigorous walking with his wife and others at today’s 5K
“It’s something that we all can do together,” he said of the activity.
He figures he can slice off some 4 minutes off his 44-minute 5K time last year. And he believes the lower temperature is a plus.
“It’ll be cool enough,” he said, “that I think it will feel really good.”
