TEXARKANA - A record high number of runners is set to participate in the Run the Line half-marathon Sunday.
For the first time in the race's 13-year history, more than 700 runners have registered to participate, race director Julie-Ray Harrison said. The number could reach 750 by start time. This year's runners range in age from 13 to 80.
The race's 13.1-mile route begins in downtown Texarkana, Texas, moves through both Twin Cities and ends in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas. Police will be stationed at major intersections along the route to control traffic as necessary, and drivers should plan for brief delays Sunday morning.
Two-person or four-person relay teams may participate, as can walkers. Kids Run the Line Too, a 1-mile run/walk for children ages 5 to 12, takes place Saturday afternoon.
Late registration is available 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Racquet and Jog, 3435 Richmond Road on the Texas side.
Proceeds from the race, including runner registrations and sponsorships by local organizations and businesses, benefit Partnership for the Pathway, a nonprofit devoted to creating, maintaining and improving recreational trails in Texarkana. Organizers hope to raise at least $45,000 this year.
Both Texarkanas' mayors are scheduled to fire starting guns for the race. Longtime race announcer Mike Jones will be assisted by the Four States Amateur Radio Club to keep track of runners' progress from various points on the course.
More than 5,800 runners from more than 30 states have participated in the race over the years, according to organizers. It has been recognized as one of the 15 best races in Arkansas.
Runners and walkers finishing by 11:30 a.m. receive a finisher's medal. The top three female and male finishers in Overall, Master, Grand Master and Senior categories will be recognized on the Hopkins Ice House stage at 10:30 a.m. The top three female and male Overall finishers will receive $100 gift certificates.
Volunteers are still welcome to help on race day. For more information, email [email protected].
The 13th annual Run the Line half-marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at West Broad Street and Texas Boulevard in downtown Texarkana, Texas. The finish line is at Hopkins Ice House, East Third and Wood streets in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas.
For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/RuntheLineHalfMarathon.
This story has been corrected. Because of a reporting error, a previous version showed an inaccurate race course map. The map above is correct. The Gazette regrets the error.