By the looks of it, the seventh annual Sedona Marathon this weekend is set to have the most runners in attendance yet, thanks to a new race added to the festivities.

In the past, the Sedona Marathon played host to hundreds, if not thousands, of runners looking to compete in the full [26.2 miles], half [13.1 miles] and the 5K [3.1 miles] race.

When the gun goes off at the starting line Saturday, Feb. 12, near the Sedona Cultural Park, marathon fans will have a new race to participate in — the 10K.
The 10K [6.2 miles] is expected to draw hundreds more race fanatics Saturday.

“When my husband and I first thought about moving here we liked there were a lot of events, including the Sedona Marathon,” Sedona resident Sarah Paslidis said. “We talked about it as a family, and decided that walking it together would be fun.”

The Paslidis family, made up of Nick, Sarah, and their three kids Alex [17], Abigail [13] and Yiannis [8], will walk the 10K on Saturday — a family get-together one might say.

“My sister Abigail and I do a 5K every year actually. Last year we lived in Little Rock, Ark., and did the 5K there. This year, when we do the 10K in Sedona, it should be fun,” Alex Paslidis said.

Abigail and Yiannis currently attend West Sedona School while Alex is on her way to graduation this May after completing a few honors courses back in Arkansas.

Nick Paslidis moved to the Sedona area in September and took a job as the chief medical officer at a local hospital, then the rest of the crew came out in December.

Besides participating in races every year, all three kids play the piano while Alex is getting into tennis.
“I like tennis, although I’m really not into running at all,” Alex said chuckling. “I like to read, draw and play the piano.”

Another Sedona family, the Ungurs, will be participating as well.

Sandy Ungur and his wife, Connie, will participate in the 10K this Saturday for a simple reason.

“The 5K is too short and the half marathon is way too long,” Connie said with a big smile. “So the 10K is just right. My husband had some health issues recently so the race is something he’s looking forward to.”
Sandy had heart surgery about a month ago, but is ready and willing to walk the 10K on Saturday with his wife.

In all, the 10K race could bring over 300-plus runners to the Sedona Marathon come Saturday, according to public relations director Mindy Mendelsohn.

Those looking to participate in the 10K are encouraged to sign up at Tlaquepaque on Patio del Norte by 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Runners can sign up as late as 6:30 a.m. on race day, but are encouraged to show up on-site at 5:30 a.m. if they want to get in.

“They really need to be there by 5:30 a.m. if they expect to get in the race Saturday,” Mendelsohn said.