www.mybaycity.com March 18, 2012
Community Article 06846


Emily Lang celebrates every birthday with her friends at the Leprechaun Run.

Family, Fun and the Leprechaun Run

Little Racers Show Big Hearts for Running on St. Patrick's Day

March 18, 2012
By: Stephanie Meyer


JFK Drive in Veterans Memorial Park was full of the sounds of cheering and the pitter-patter of little feet as the runners for the Leprechaun Race set their sights on the finish line and gave it their all. Approximately 650 runners 12 and under were signed up to run an 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 mile run on a beautiful St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Linsey Schumann is no stranger to the running world and her children, Leah and Ty, are always there to cheer her on whenever she competes. But this race was different; it was their time to shine. "Leah and Ty always love to come to my races so they are really excited to have their own race to run in," says Schumann, "They have been really looking forward to this." Even if children do not come from a family of runners, this event was a great tool in laying the ground work for a healthy, physically fit life and surely inspired children to see how much fun physical activity can be.

As the St. Patrick's Day Queen, Sara Suchodolski, waved the runners to start, some children walked, most ran and some parents and children finished the race hand-in-hand. However the racers finished, it was not about who the winner was, but about children doing their best and the feeling of achievement when they crossed the finish line. Each received a medal for completing the race and the lasting memory of a fun afternoon.


Dan, Payton and Devin Dueweke, Brad, Marci and Madelyn Toporski, and Brad and Jackson Andreski
(MyBayCity Photo by Stephanie Meyer)



Glen, Kathryn, Nathan and Ella Turow
(MyBayCity Photo by Stephanie Meyer)



Full speed ahead! Runners charge to the finish line.
(MyBayCity Photo by Stephanie Meyer)



Little legs need a little extra help during the run.
(MyBayCity Photo by Stephanie Meyer)


Brennan, Drew and Amy Denay

Linsey, Josh, Ty and Leah Schumann

Ben, Ty, Jackson and Hugh Ruff




Jill and Brooks Boon show the slow and steady technique.
(MyBayCity Photo by Stephanie Meyer)

St. Patrick's Day Queen, Sara Suchodolski, steadies the anxious crowd.

The big moment for the 1/8th of a mile boys.

A sea of excited parents and runners.


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