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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Junior Bloomsday Gets Shorter For The Youngest Racers

For some 6-year-olds, a mile can feel like forever.

“You get kind of tired,” said Jamie Trudgeon, a Hamblen Elementary firstgrader who ran at last year’s Junior Bloomsday. ‘I just don’t want to run so much.”

Fortunately for Trudgeon, she won’t have to.

In response to parent complaints, this year’s April 12 event will get easier for younger kids.

Instead of running a mile, 6-year-olds will go half a mile. Eight-year-olds also don’t have far to go. Junior Bloomsday officials have shortened their running distance from two miles to one.

“Some of the kids get tuckered out,” said Dan Petek, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “When you’re 6 years old and in front of a lot of people, you’re excited and burn a lot of energy even before you run. A mile is a long call for some kids.”

With the shortened distances, organizers expect the country’s largest children’s race to draw more than 10,000 kids between 5 and 12.

In addition to shorter distances for some, Junior Bloomsday runners will get another break: Thanks to the raised floor level at Albi Stadium, the “Junior Doomsday” incline won’t be as steep.

For some kids, the key incentive for joining the race is a Seattle Mariners Sport Mini-Vacation, Petek said Wednesday.

On the day after the run, one participant will win a plane trip for four to Seattle. The prize includes overnight accommodations, spending money and a private skybox suite at a Seattle Mariners game.

Every year in April, Spokane’s Albi Stadium gets packed with at least 8,000 baby bloomers. The record Junior Bloomsday turnout was 10,700 in 1987.

It’s an opportunity for kids to run with other kids their age, organizers say.

The focus is on fun, not competition, Petek said.

While some 6-year-olds expressed their relief at the new half-mile distance rule, Jeff Heiskell who seemed disappointed.

A mile’s no big deal, said the Hamblen first-grader.

“I get exercise,” he said. “I don’t get tired. At the end, you get cool T-shirts.”

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Race rundown The 12th annual Junior Bloomsday will be Saturday, April 12, at Joe Albi Stadium. Course distances for 5- and 6-year-olds is a half-mile; 1 mile for kids ages 7 or 8; and 2 miles for 9- to 12-year-olds. The event also is open to wheelchair participants. The entry fee is $3. Entry forms are available at Spokane-area Albertson’s stores, Snyder’s Bakery outlets and most elementary schools. March 29 is the entry deadline.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Race rundown The 12th annual Junior Bloomsday will be Saturday, April 12, at Joe Albi Stadium. Course distances for 5- and 6-year-olds is a half-mile; 1 mile for kids ages 7 or 8; and 2 miles for 9- to 12-year-olds. The event also is open to wheelchair participants. The entry fee is $3. Entry forms are available at Spokane-area Albertson’s stores, Snyder’s Bakery outlets and most elementary schools. March 29 is the entry deadline.