Sights and sounds at the Kids Run

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.

• As they all sprint out of the gate, an equally impressive race takes place as the parents all sprint to the finish line to watch their children cross. They've been instructed to follow the blue arrows, but on the whole it's the kids who do a much better job of staying on course.

• Renegades mascot Boomer the parrot is on hand to marshall, in what could very well be his final public appearance. Kickaroo from the Richmond Kickers also made an appearance.

• The boys race is a close one, with Michael Austin of Chesterfield edging his competition in 5:53. The 12-year-old attends Swift Creek Middle School.

• The girls race is not as close. Gillian Saul, a 12-year-old who attends Tomahawk Creek Middle School, is the runaway winner. Both kids get hustled over to TV interviews, which will be great footage to dig up when they become Olympians.

• As the second and third waves of runners come in, the kids logjam at the finish line, duplicating the effect the adults will create just minutes later.

• Superman crosses in a respectable, but not quite speeding-bullet, 14:23.

As the race goes on, the participants get younger and younger. Parents are allowed to run with children 8 and under, and everybody appears to be having a good time.