Next Saturday, September 15, 2007, the Country Roads 10K & Kids Run will be held out at Country Estates subdivision off Ranch Road 12 on the way to Wimberley. This started out as a very low-key race with hopes of just breaking even in cost to put on a race. There was a good turnout for the first race; and the post-race drawings for some very fancy goodies were a big plus for the runners. The course has been certified; and the runners enjoy the country atmosphere of the course, as well as the challenge of some slight inclines along the way. The one major incline is not that steep, but it comes during the last mile or so of the race, and it seems like it is steeper than it is.

All of this has led to a growing population of runners every year. Some come for a chance to get a trophy for their age group; others enter to get a fantastic T-shirt (long-sleeved and Dri-Release fabric this year), and there are always those who are hoping to have their number drawn after the race for one of the great prizes that all runners are eligible for. The folks who live out in Country Estates are very gracious; and some even bring lawn chairs out by the road to cheer the runners on as they race by. Some of the runners at the end who are struggling from some hills along the course really appreciate a little encouragement to get them through the next mile.

Registration after this weekend is $25; and if you do not register early before the race, there is always day-of-race registration. Texas State students who enter and can show proof of enrollment will get a $3.00 discount for the 10K race. There are 10-year age groups from under 19 years of age to over 70 years of age. Registration at the swimming pool area begins at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, and early registered runners can pick up their packets at that time also.

The 10K race starts at 8:00 a.m. There is adequate parking close by the starting line, but it helps if you arrive a little early to make sure you get your registration completed. The Kids Run is a distance of 0.86 miles, and costs $7.00 for a cotton T-shirt; and if the child wants to run and not get a T-shirt, the cost is only $1.00. All Kids Run participants will receive a medal after the run. All kids are winners. This is a good opportunity to get your younger children started on an exercise or running program, and the race starts at 9:00 a.m., so that if the parent is running the 10K, they still have a chance to watch the kids follow in their parent's footsteps.

The proceeds from the race go to the San Marcos Runners Club for support of the club and for helping other organizations sponsor runs. The club helped purchase the race clock that is used at the races and have mile markers, directional signs and speaker systems that help make a race a success. All of this is available to local organizations that want to put on a run at no charge. All of this equipment costs money, and this is the only major fundraiser put on by the San Marcos Runners Club to help promote running, jogging or walking here in San Marcos.

The club has weekly Tuesday evening runs starting at 6:00 p.m. down at the Courthouse Square for anyone who wants to run with a group, and all ages and speed of foot are welcome. The next San Marcos Runners Club meeting is September 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center for members and anyone interested in running and fitness. You do not have to be a member of the club to attend; it is open to the public.

If you miss this race, try to get ready for a series of 5K races in the next few weeks, with the Pet Fest 5K, the Red Ribbon 5K and the From Here to Eternity 5K coming up in September and October. As always, if you do not want to run but want to be a part of the event, we always welcome volunteers to help us with directions, registration, and water and aid stations. Even coming out to cheer the runners is appreciated, especially for the Kids Run.

Hope to see a big turnout of local and area runners this Saturday out at Country Estates.