When it comes to kids marathons, Anna Pardue can run with any girl in the state in her age group. This is not an opinion. This is fact! As the old adage goes, the proof is in the pudding!

Pardue proved her nettle by taking third place overall in the girls 11-14 age division at the prestigious Louisiana Marathon that was run on the streets of Baton Rouge on Saturday. Adding to the tremendous accomplishment was her being the top finisher among 12 year old girls.

Anna runs cross country for Quitman Junior High and is the daughter of David and Cindy Pardue, who this past year took over as cross country coach at Quitman High School after serving in the same capacity at Weston High School.

Now in it’s 13th year, the Louisiana Marathon is traditionally run the weekend before the Martin Luther King holiday. Thousands from all over the state annually descend on Baton Rouge to compete in two days of competition running in various races such as the Kids Marathon, 5K, Quarter Marathon, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.