Baby race kicks off American Baby Faire Atlanta

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The American Baby Derby Warm-Up Trials marked the beginning of this weekend's American Baby Faire Atlanta at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Eleven-month-old Valentina Rabayeva shows her winning determination in the American Baby Derby Warm-Up Trials, a press event to promote the weekend's American Baby Faire Atlanta at the Cobb. Galleria Centre.

Near the finish line, baby competitors get encouragement from friends and family. Kasey Simmons is cheering on 8-month-old Savanna; Rene Grant, from Griffin, cheers on 12-month-old Isaac; and Keith Simmons cheers on Savanna's twin, Carson. The Simmons are from Anniston, Ala.

It can be lonely out there on the race carpet. Seven-month-old Chase Christopher, from Atlanta, was in no hurry to finish in the final. Babies had to crawl down a 10-foot raceway, complete with racing lanes, racing numbers and official referee.

Freindships were made along the raceway. Chase Christopher, 7 months old from Atlanta, joins the chat between Carson Simmons, 8 months old from Annitston, Ala., and Bryce Clemons, 7 months old.

Rene Grant of Griffin gives encouragement to 12-month-old Isaac, who was first in his heat. More races will be held this weekend at the Babies 'R' Us Baby Derby at the 11th annual American Baby Faire Atlanta.

Eight-month-old Carson Simmons of Anniston, Ala., goes for the gold, or at least an actual finish, as another parent tries to cheer his child, still at the starting line.

Some contestants had to give the whole carpet racing dynamic some thought before moving on. Chase Christopher, 7 months old from Atlanta, and Bryce Clemons, 7 months old, found the starting line comfortable enough, and made no hasty dash toward the finish line.

Start? Finish? Whatever. Carson Simmons of Annitston, Ala., decides to temporarily leave the race arena.

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Eleven-month-old Valentina Rabayeva shows her winning determination in the American Baby Derby Warm-Up Trials, a press event to promote the weekend's American Baby Faire Atlanta at the Cobb. Galleria Centre.

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