Team8s and Counting

173. Run for the Fun

"Yup!" Thread grinned. "This is going to be so cool! But are you sure you can push me the whole way?"

"Don't worry," Saw said, stepping in. "We've got a team for you. Pin, Donut, and I are going to take turns. You just focus on enjoying the ride."

Bladey stood near her mom, looking around nervously at the crowd. "There's a lot of people here," she mumbled.

"Don't worry, sweetie," Gaty said, kneeling down to meet her daughter's eyes. "Just stick with me, and we'll have fun. It's not about winning; it's about finishing."

Maybe for you guys. Needle thought to herself. Needle was off to the side, stretching and psyching herself up. She was in it to win it, and she wanted to make her family proud.

"Good luck, Auntie Needle!" the kids cheered.

A voice crackled over the loudspeaker, announcing the race was about to begin. Everyone shuffled toward the starting line. The excitement was palpable as the announcer counted down.

"On your mark...get set...GO!"

Needle was leading the group of racers early on, the rest them, including her family, not far behind. She'd zoned in to the course, keeping up a steady pace, making sure not to wear herself out too soon.

Dimey, not listening to his fathers advice, ran as fast as he could to try and keep up with his mom. Coiny had a tough time catching up with him, but he was able to do so, knowing that Dimey was going to wear himself out.

"Slow down, Dimey!" Coiny exclaimed, trying to catch his breath. "Don't think you're going to be able to catch up to mom."

Dimey brushed it off. "Yes I can catch up to her, just watch!" Dimey kept speeding ahead, going as fast as his little legs would take him.

Bladey and Gaty were keeping a steady pace, although slightly on the slower side.

"This is hard!" Bladey exclaimed, already starting to feel the burn in her legs.

"You're doing so well, Bladey!" Gaty encouraged. "Just keep going, we'll get there eventually!"

The wheelchair group was each taking turns with the Thread, pushing the wheelchair until whoevers arms would get sore, then they would move on to the next person.

"Weeeee!" Thread put her arms in the air, feeling the wind blow against her face. "This is so much fun!"

"I'm glad you're enjoying Thread." Pin said in between breaths, her arms ready to give in after pushing the chair.

"Here." Donut stated, grabbing one of the handles of the chair. "Let me have a go."

"This is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be!" Saw said, running alongside Donut and Pin. "But it's so worth it to see her enjoying it!"

Finally, trailing behind the others was Barf Bag and the twins. Of course, Sprinkle and Sack were trotting alongside Barf Bag as if nothing was at stake, and took in their surroundings.

"Look!" Sack pointed above to the top of the tree. "The bird is huge!"

"Woah!" Sprinkle exclaimed, in awe of the bird.

Barf Bag was slightly frustrated at the pace they were moving at, but at the same time, she didn't mind the fact that the twins were so intrigued by the nature that surrounded them. "That sure is one giant bird."

The race continued with each group finding their rhythm along the course. Needle maintained her position in the lead, her mind focused on the finish line. The sound of cheering spectators and the rhythmic pounding of her feet on the pavement filled her ears. She glanced over her shoulder occasionally, making sure her pace was steady but strategic.