As the cross-country season comes to an end, runners are looking to use their talents in longer distance competitions. The Space Coast Half-Marathon is scheduled on Dec. 1 and will host runners from throughout Florida. The race is  13.1 miles compared to the 3.1 miles cross-country runners are used to running, making training and pacing much more difficult.

Although the distance may seem daunting, Hayden D. (7) said he is up to the challenge.

“I’m doing it because my family and team is doing it,” he said.

Being right after the cross-country season, many runners are tired and do not want to compete. Other runners are participating in other school sports and extracurricular activities not giving them enough time to train and prepare for the race.

Zach Johnson (9) has decided not to compete in the race following the long cross-country season.

“It is a big commitment to train for a half-marathon,” he said. “It is difficult to run 13.1 miles straight. Additionally, I have other after-school activities like lacrosse that would interfere with training.”

West Shore is also running a water station along the marathon route to raise money for the cross-country and track seasons. Registration for the race will be open until Nov. 28 and costs $115 per participant.

“I am up to the challenge,” Hayden said.

By Gavin Litchfield

Editor’s note: Brevard Public Schools policy prohibits the inclusion of middle-schoolers’ last names on district-sponsored websites.