BOSTON, GA  -- “Something’s Going On” is the theme for the 24th Annual Boston (GA) Mini-Marathon and Festival to be held Saturday, October 25, 2003. 

Join in early for a sausage and pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and be on hand for the welcome and the Star Spangled Banner at 7:55 a.m.; then applaud the hundreds of runners from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tenne-ssee, the Carolinas and other states, as they begin the 13.1 miles of the Boston Mini-Marathon.  This certified and wheel-measured course takes runners through the pastoral countryside east of Boston.  Known as one of the premier races in the Run and See Georgia Grand Prix, awards and prizes are given in twelve categories.  Relay teams also compete with recognition given to the first three teams.

At 8:05 a.m., the 5K Walk begins with hundreds of participants competing in seven age groups.  The 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m. and is for kids of all ages!  Participants in each event receive T-shirts with special designs; winners are recognized during an Awards Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. and are featured in the parade at 11:30 a.m.

By 9:00 a.m. the vendors are set up offering a great variety of arts and crafts and the food court opens.  Antique and classic cars will be on display at 10:00 a.m. and a costume contest for the kids will be held at 10:30 a.m.  Live performances take place throughout the day on the portable stage in Watt Park.  Grab lunch from the food court and find a good seat at Watt Park for a free concert by Jimbo Smith.

The Haunted House will be open Friday from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from Noon-3:00 p.m.  You will appreciate all that goes into making this event happen as you make your way through the house of horrors!  Not recommended for children under six!

The Trail Ride begins at 1:30 p.m.  Organized as a family event, this promises to be a great ride through picturesque countryside.  Also, back by popular demand, the quarter scale tractor pull will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the downtown area.  Watch mighty little tractors pull 6,000 pounds!  Competition is in nine weight classes; you must be 18 or older to compete.

All this and more awaits you Saturday, October 25, 2003 in Boston, GA (the second largest Boston in the USA!).  For race/walk registration, arts/crafts, trail ride and /or parade applications, write:  Boston Mini-Marathon Festival, PO Box 545, Boston, GA  31626; 229-498-6743 days; 229-498-4065 evenings or e-mail sdg123@rose.net.