Kirsten Campbell Race turns two

This weekend, during the Chariot Races, youth will have the chance to compete in their own event - and adults can bet on it.

The second annual Kirsten Campbell Kids race will be held during the middle of the Calcutta on Sunday; which, begins as 11 a.m.

According to Michelle Olguin, organizer of the event, the race was started last year in memory of Kirsten Campbell, who passed away in 2014 of cancer. Proceeds from the race go to the Kirsten Campbell memorial for end-of-life care.

Campbell's interest in racing and getting kids involved in the events inspired the competition.

Olguin said Campbell enjoyed and attended all of the races she could. "She was all about kids," said Olguin. "She was always trying to get kids in the cart, kids petting the horses, kids grooming the horses."

The event gives youth the chance to get involved and have their own fun during the weekend. "The kids have fun, the adults get to gamble on it," Olguin added.

Last year, there were about 27 competitors in the event, and Olguin expects a similar turnout this year.

For the event, the youth are separated into groups of three, stated Olguin. "We got one in the chariot and then two kids would have to pull the chariot down." The youth will be separated into age classes and there will be separate races for each.

In last year's competition, there were three races for the different age groups. Olguin expects to have the same format depending on the number of youth that want to participate.

Cash prizes are awarded to both winners and losers of the race.

Registration will occur at the Chariot Races, and if interested in competing, find Olguin during the weekend to sign up. "Kids that want to do it, come on out," said Olguin.