IF you like the normal 3-mile run, scoot out to 10 miles a day or even if you prefer the occasional run, this weekend is for you.
Today begins the high school cross country district meets.
The Division II-III districts are at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds, beginning with the Division III boys at 11:30 a.m. The boys Division II, girls Division III and girls Division II will follow.
The Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches top-ranked Division III team, McDonald, leads the way and will most likely win the Division III district title. It would be one of many the titles the Blue Devils have won this season.
Badger, Bristol, Brookfield, Grand Valley, Jackson-Milton, John F. Kennedy, Lordstown, Lowellville, Maplewood, McDonald, Mineral Ridge, Pymatuning Valley, Rootstown, South Range, Springfield and Ursuline are the other Division III boys teams, while Division III girls teams are the same, aside from Champion, LaBrae and Wickliffe.
The top four boys teams and top 16 individuals advance to next weekend's regional at Boardman High School, while the top five girls teams and to 20 individuals go on to Boardman.
Maplewood, Lordstown and South Range are the boys teams likely to advance, while McDonald's girls, which are ranked No. 6 in the OATCCC poll, should complete the clean sweep for the Blue Devils. With the amount of trophies McDonald's teams are likely to bring home, the school should build a new trophy case just for this season.
As for the girls teams, Lowellville, Maplewood and Badger should advance to regionals.
In Division II, Cardinal Mooney, Champion, Conneaut, Crestwood, Edgewood, Garfield, Girard, Hubbard, Jefferson, LaBrae, Lakeview, Liberty, Niles, Poland, Ravenna, Southeast, Struthers, Wickliffe are the boys teams, while the girls have the same field aside from Champion, LaBrae, Liberty and Wickliffe.
Cardinal Mooney, Poland, Crestwood and Lakeview should be the boys teams to advance, while Crestwood, Poland, Cardinal Mooney should be in the top three on the girls' side. The fourth spot is up for grabs.
The top four teams and top 16 individuals for both boys and girls will go on to Boardman.
In Division I, Howland, Harding, Austintown Fitch, Canfield and Boardman will be at Malone College for their district meet.
However, just like most years, don't expect many area runners to advance to the regionals at Boardman. In fact, it will take a near perfect race by Howland's Troy Seagraves and Hayley Buzulencia for them to advance out of one of the state's toughest Division I districts.
The top five teams and top 20 individuals go on to Boardman, while the top six teams and top 24 individuals advance. However, don't expect any area teams to advance.
On to Sunday and the 36th annual Peace Race in downtown Youngstown.
It begins with a free 400-meter kids run starting at 9:20 a.m., followed by the 2-mile run/walk at 9:30 a.m. The 10K (6.2 miles) Peace Race starts at 10:15 a.m.
There will be awards given for those participating in the 2-mile and 10K races.
The Peace Race isn't just for avid runners, but for all who just want to get a leisurely Sunday morning jaunt.
You must be registered to enter any of the three races.
For more information, log on to peacerace.net or call Second Sole in Boardman at 330-758-8708.