Editorials

As is often the case, sports in Alabama usually are cast with a distinctive 100-yard hue. Any athletic discussion starts with football, ends with football, and few complaints are heard. Or so the assumption goes.

But it's been pleasing this summer to hear of Anniston's success in adding to or improving options — and more tourism-related revenue — for our county's athletic endeavors.

Last week, the Woodstock 5K became the 5K national championship for 2009. The Woodstock has long been a vital component of this community's August calendar, though its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years. One doesn't have to be a long-distance runner — for some, 3.2 miles is a long distance — or know the definition of under-pronate to appreciate the goodwill that the Woodstock creates for Anniston and much of Calhoun County.

The good news doesn't end there. This year's race, on Aug. 2, which will crown a regional champion, could attract as many as 700 runners. That would be an all-time high. And don't bet against the Woodstock retaining its national championship designation after 2009.

Meanwhile, this weekend will mark the beginning of a Dixie Youth state baseball tournament at McClellan. It's no small event: A week's worth of games for Alabama-based teams, most of which will fill local hotels and eateries with parents and friends.

Perspective is crucial. Other Alabama cities, some large, some the size of Anniston, have long used sports as a tourism calling-card. Birmingham makes millions from the Alabama Sports Festival, and Dothan's gargantuan youth sports complex is a cash cow for that part of Alabama. Those are only two of countless examples.

This summer has morphed into a steamy mess, but it's also brought progress for those who welcome our communities' mixture of sports and tourism to fill our hotels and pack our restaurants, even if it's not for events needing a 100-yard field.

Remember: If our visitors have a good time, they're more likely to return. And that wouldn't be a bad thing.