With less than three weeks until race day, preparations for the 10th annual Run the Line half-marathon are ahead of schedule.
More runners have registered for the race than at this point last year, and organizers expect another successful event beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, they said in a news release.
"While many people wait until later to sign up, all indications show this may be one of our biggest years yet," race director Julie-Ray Harrison said.
Last year, 628 people entered the 13.1-mile race, the largest running event in the area. So far, this year's registered runners range in age from 13 to 77. People from 30 states have participated in the nine Run the Line half-marathons run since 2008.
Entrants who don't feel ready to tackle the full distance have other options.
"You can grab a friend and run just over six and a half miles each," Harrison said. "Or you can join together with three friends and split the race into a four-person relay."
The race, certified by USA Track and Field, is one of only a few half-marathons that take place in two states. The course starts on Broad Street downtown, near the Bi-State Justice Building, continues on the Arkansas side for half its distance, and then shifts to the Texas side and back toward downtown.
All proceeds from the race benefit Partnership for the Pathway, an all-volunteer organization committed to helping both Texarkanas build safe walking and bicycling trails.
Partnership for the Pathway Board president Joe Saul-Sehy said the race does a good job of highlighting the group's work.
"Two of the best walking trails in town are the Nix Creek Trail on the Arkansas side and the Philip McDougal Trail in Spring Lake Park on the Texas side. We're lucky the course includes both of these beautiful paths," he said.
While organizers have received support from local disc jockeys and bands, Saul-Sehy says there is a need for more spectators along the course.
"It's fun watching people run the race. Some are in costumes, and others just could use some cheering. We hope lots of people come out to watch," he said.
As in past years, a big finish line celebration is planned in front of Hopkins Ice House on East Third Street. Longtime race announcer Mike Jones will be aided by the local Four States Amateur Radio Club, announcing results from around the course throughout the race.
For more information, visit txkruntheline.org or the event's Facebook page at facebook.com/txkruntheline. Online race registration is available at signmeup.com/115658.