Drivers traveling through Linton on Thursday evening may have wondered why a bunch of bananas was running alongside the road.

They were not seeing things.

Members of the Linton-Stockton cross country team traded their usual practice attire for banana costumes and sunglasses before heading out to complete their miles.

The idea was inspired by a local bicyclist who has become known around town as “Banana Man” for riding while dressed in a banana costume. His appearances have brought smiles to community members — something the runners hoped to replicate during their latest themed practice.

Senior Kennedy Landis said the team selects a different theme each Thursday to stay motivated and have something fun to anticipate during the week.

“We picked bananas this week because we saw how the Banana Man was making people happy and putting smiles on people’s faces,” Landis said. “We just thought it would be fun to do the same.”

Senior Brynley Franklin said running is not always the most entertaining sport, so the team introduced themed practices this season to add some fun to its weekly routine. Upperclassmen and coaches typically select each Thursday’s theme.

“It is no lie that Banana Man brings the community joy through just showing that life isn’t that serious,” Franklin said. “We thought it would be a fun idea to share the joy that he has been giving.”

Although the team did not cross paths with Banana Man during its run, members received plenty of reactions from passing motorists and others throughout town.

Cars honked. People took videos. Social media posts soon followed.

“The best part was cars were honking and videoing us, and they had no idea who we were,” Franklin said, noting that the runners’ sunglasses helped conceal their identities.

Landis admitted that running through town dressed as a banana was a little embarrassing, but that feeling did not last long.

“We did not stop laughing the whole time,” she said. “It was really a great practice.”

Senior Alexis Earle said she enjoyed both the community’s reactions and watching some of her teammates overcome their embarrassment.

“We decided to dress up as bananas to make some smiles go around like the Banana Boy does, and it was something everyone could do,” Earle said. “I loved running throughout town in the costume. It was very funny.”

The practice was about more than costumes, laughter and honking horns. For the three seniors, it was another opportunity to strengthen relationships during their final season together.

Because runners train and compete at different paces, Franklin said group activities allow the entire team to spend time together.

“We got to have fun and be ourselves,” she said. “I have truly never heard more laughing on a run. Yes, some were most likely embarrassed, but we did it together, and that was the best part.”

The runners also hope the lighthearted practice will draw attention to a program they believe is growing and deserving of greater recognition.

“Miner cross country is a growing program, and if dressing up like bananas gets us on the map, I’ll do it again 1,000 times,” Franklin said.

Earle agreed, saying cross country can sometimes be pushed to the side compared with other sports.

“Cross country isn’t just about running,” she said. “It’s about making goofy memories with the team.”

Those memories have become increasingly meaningful as the season winds down and the seniors approach their final races.

Landis said she is focused on appreciating the time she has left with her teammates.

“I am most looking forward to enjoying all the last moments being a senior and spending time with the amazing team,” she said.

The fun will continue during fall break, when the runners plan a full week of themed practices leading into the sectional. Franklin said the spirit week helps make early-morning practices more enjoyable and provides a memorable way to close the season.

For Earle, the final weeks bring a mixture of excitement and sadness. She hopes the team can return to the regional after advancing together last season.

“This has been my favorite year of cross country, and I am trying to enjoy every last moment,” Earle said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group to run my last few meets with.”

For one Thursday practice, at least, the runners were able to forget about times, places and finishing kicks. They simply ran together, laughed and gave their community one more reason to smile — just like Banana Man.