Things written in a reporter’s notebook while observing the First Market Mile Kids Run:

• Watching more than 1,800 kids, all 12-and-under, line up under the starting gate is just as visually impressive as watching the real race. The key difference is that the kids are all running at full speed before the race as well. Pacing is not taught at the kids run.

Amid a light mist, the Churchill Gang - A.J., Hailey and Logan - encouraged one another as they circled SportsBackers Stadium last night during a mile run, a prelude to today’s 31st annual SunTrust Marathon. The Churchills, all students at Crenshaw Elementary in Chester, were among the more than 500 runners who competed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run.