Margie Parker has been running The Citizen Downtown Mile with her father Ted Parker since she was 6 years old.

Thanks to her father's influence, Margie has become a serious runner. The father and daughter duo compete in races across the state, and Margie has collected T-shirts along the way.

Despite the numerous competitions, the Skaneateles resident looks forward to The Citizen Downtown Mile, which Margie considers a more fun-filled race.

"I grew up in Auburn and want to be able to support local events," Margie said. "It is just a lot of fun, and kind of like a little party the whole community can come to."

This year, Margie will join her 61-year-old father and her 6-year-old nephew at the starting line on Friday. Margie, who coaches modified cross-country for the Auburn Enlarged City School District, has also encouraged her athletes to come out and participate.

"Labor Day weekend we hold a race that supports the cross country team," Margie said. "Since so many people support them, we try to encourage them to come out and support other groups."

About 300 runners participate in the race each year, and age is never an issue. Event coordinator and YMCA Fitness Director Stephen Komanecky hopes to see hundreds of runners and walkers come out for this year's race.

No age limit works to the advantage of 12-year-old Emily Fuller, who has participated in the race with her mother, Amy, since she was 2. Emily and her mother also took part in Auburn's Great Race, and, now that she is going into seventh grade, Emily hopes to join the modified cross-country team at West Middle School.

"I figured since I can do the Great Race I can do the Downtown Mile," Emily said. "I like running; it is fun, and it is something I can do with my mom."

Celebrating its 23rd anniversary, the race returns to its original course this year. The race will begin at the corner of Washington and Genesee streets and head downtown concluding on Dill Street in front of The Citizen.

Last year, the race began at Hoopes Park and finished at the Market Street Mall due to construction at the State Street Mall.

The race, run by the Auburn YMCA and sponsored by The Citizen, is not just for serious runners like Margie and her cross-country team. The race attracts everyone from fitness freaks to speed demons and families with exercise spirit.

"The point of the race is to encourage health and fitness," Komanecky said. "This is an event for everyone."

Registration will begin at 7 p.m. and all proceeds go to programming at the YMCA.

The first 200 people to sign up for the race will receive The Citizen Downtown Mile T-shirt. Awards are given in a variety of categories including first male and female to complete the race and children's divisions. This year's winners will receive trophies, awards and a pair of Toro socks.

In addition to runners, the event brings in hundreds of visitors, who gather to watch.

"It is great to have so many people come out and just cheer on fitness," Komanecky said.

After the race, everyone will gather at the State Street Mall for awards, music, food and family activities.

"It is a good time and a great family event," Komanecky said. "It is the perfect time of year and a great way to bring the community together."

If you go

What: The Citizen Downtown Mile

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday

Where: Corner of Washington and Genesee streets, Auburn

Registration: $10 advance; $12 day of event

For details: Call 253-5311 ext. 213

Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or ashley.lipsky@lee.net