September 21, 2008 Runners, lace up your shoes for a number of local races Local runners in San Marcos are very fortunate in the next few weeks, as there are a number of runs right here or nearby. It started with the Country Roads 10K this past Saturday out at the Country Estates subdivision, and the results will be listed next week. Next Saturday, September 27, the Texas Fix ‘Em 5K and Kids’ Fun Run will be held down at City Park. This run used to be called the “Petfest 5K.” The run starts at 8:00 a.m. and will be along the San Marcos River Walk trail, and is a very nice and scenic run. Dogs on leashes are welcome as long as they are friendly, and they aren’t big dogs that drag the runner along at a faster pace then he or she is capable of. There are festivities after the run, and proceeds are well spent for the PALS organization. Cost for early registration is $16 and day of race is $20. In the month of October, the trend of local races continues with several runs in the area. The first is the Red Ribbon 5K Run and Family 1K Run/Walk. The 1K run starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K run will begin after the 1K run at about 8:30 a.m. If you enter before October 10, the cost is only $15; and after that right up to race day the registration is $20. The race is held out at the River Ridge complex on a flat certified course. This is a very popular and fun run. The T-shirts are usually very colorful; and if you have not watched the kids run, you are missing a very fun and motivational event. The number of kids that enter is great and they range in ability. The lead bike had better pedal fast to stay ahead of some who are learning their first steps on a race. All the kids that enter get a finishing medal. It is worth it just to come out and watch the kids get a start on a healthy lifestyle and away from drugs. I don’t have much information about it, but the Fall Fiesta River 5K in Fentress is also on October 18th, along the San Marcos River for a scenic run. And on Sunday, October 19th, the Kyle-O-Meter 5K is just down the road. I will try to get more information on those runs for next week. The week after the Red Ribbon 5K is the 5th annual “From Here to Eternity” 5K Run & Walk. The proceeds from this race are used to upgrade and keep the cemetery looking nice. As the race name indicates, you do run through a cemetery for the middle portion of the run. The race starts at the Lamar Annex (for people who have lived in San Marcos for many years, that is the old Lamar School on Hutchison Street) at 8:00 a.m. Early registration before the 18th is $15, and day of race cost is $20. If you are at all familiar with the roads that lead from the Lamar Annex to the San Marcos Cemetery, you realize that the first mile of the race is uphill. While that is a tough part of the run, the best part of the run is the last mile. That is all downhill and leads to some fast running to make your finish look great. Having been a lead bike, I can tell you that you better know the route, as when a biker hits that long hill the lead runners usually pass them. Last year we had it figured out when David Alexander got a big lead on the runners to see if he could be ahead of the runners at the top of the hill. He almost made it to the top when the lead runners passed him up (I only made it halfway up the year before, as my lead was just not enough at the start). This time, I was waiting at the top of Loop Street to take over and lead the runners the rest of the way. I really love going down that last hill; no pedaling, and what a great ride when you can coast in to the finish. Then in November, the popular Wurst 5 Miler (not 5K) is in New Braunfels in celebration of the Wurstfest. This run starts in Landa Park and is a well-organized and fun run. More information on that run later. For local runners, the race season looks great, with cooler weather, some great runs scheduled and a neat way to collect some nice looking T-shirts to wear. Hope to see a good turnout of local runners at the races to help support some very worthy causes. Dr. Maurice Johnson - better known around San Marcos as “Moe” - is a professor in the Department of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance at Texas State University - San Marcos. Moe has been a fixture in the San Marcos running community - both as a runner and race organizer - since way back when Moby Dick was a minnow. His column on running and fitness appears each Sunday in the Sports section of the San Marcos Daily Record. • Recent “Running With Moe” Columns • Home • About the Club • Current News • Club Runs • Places To Run • TX Running Clubs • Running Links • Useful Stuff Upcoming Races • Race Results • Country Roads 10K & Kids Run • ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon • “Running With Moe” Contact Us!