Even four-legged friends participated in the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A runner in the Hilly Half Marathon smiles as he crosses the finish line on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners cross the start line at the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A pre-race photo is taken before the Hilly Half on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Tracy Zahn and Crystal Reichert pose for a photo before the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Prizes for overall male and female winners of the Hilly Half were made by local artist Brad Cox.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A runner receives a warm welcome at the finish line from a Hilly Half volunteer.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Knit beanies with the Hilly Half slogan, “Oh Hill Yes!” embroidered.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A runner in the Hilly Half fist pumps as he approaches the finish line.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Players on the Brown County High School girls basketball team handed out medals to runners at the Hilly Half finish line.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Registration at the Hilly Half Marathon.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A runner in the Hilly Half Marathon sings “Star Spangled Banner” before the start of the Hilly Half.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners cross the start line at the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Kim Robinson, Brown County YMCA Executive Director, speaks with volunteers from Brown County High School.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners cross the start line at the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners cross the start line at the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A young runner follows the 10K crowd as they cross the start line.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Warming up before the race around the fire at the lower shelter house.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners of all ages participated in the Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Players on the Brown County High School girls basketball team handed out medals to runners at the Hilly Half finish line.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A runner in the Hilly Half waves to the camera as he nears the finish line.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners grabbed their medals then made their way to the lower shelter house, where hot soup and beer awaited them.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Runners grabbed their medals then made their way to the lower shelter house, where hot soup and beer awaited them.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Beer was provided by Upland Brewing Company at the Hilly Half.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Prizes for overall male and female winners of the Hilly Half were made by local artist Brad Cox.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A group of friends from Indianapolis participated in the Hilly Half, their favorite race, they said. The event kicks off their “Friendsgiving” week.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Beer was provided by Upland Brewing Company at the Hilly Half.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A post-race photo is taken in front of the lower shelter house.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Music at the Post Race party in the lower shelter house was provided by Kenan Rainwater and friends.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Music at the Post Race party in the lower shelter house was provided by Kenan Rainwater and friends.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Low temperatures couldn’t damper the high spirits at the 7th annual Hilly Half Marathon on Nov. 19 in the Brown County State Park.
Runners gathered around fire pits at the lower shelter before the race started, in either a half marathon, 10K or 5K.
After they crossed the finish line, runners received a medal, hot soup, cookies and a beer from Upland Brewing Company.
Prizes were handed out for overall male and female winners of each running distance category, and were designed and made by local artist Brad Cox.
Funds raised from the Hilly Half support the Brown County YMCA, which hosts the event.
“The past few years have been tough as the building ages and big ticket items need replaced,” YMCA Executive Director Kim Robinson said last month.
“But we are here to serve the community in any way we can, if it’s financial aid for membership, low cost swim lessons, organizing the food alliance and Brown County COAD. We are doing the best to reach and serve those in need.”
From planning sessions that start in February to the moment the start gun fires at the race, Robinson said the event is a “labor of love” from herself and the volunteers involved.
