March 22, 2009 A plethora of races for those runners looking to compete This time of year is looked at as the start of racing season for runners in the central Texas area. There have been several races already; but starting next week, things really heat up. The Capitol 10,000 is on Sunday, March 29th, and is listed as the largest race in Texas, with upwards of 17,000 runners expected. Whether you run this for a fast time or just to be part of a big running event, it is fun to be part of the festivities. Unless you are a very fast runner, it is best to start at the back, and enjoy the run and talk with the other entrants. If you are a somewhat fast runner and start in the middle, it is almost impossible to work your way through all of the people that do not listen to the instructions at the beginning of the race about moving back if you are a slow runner or walker. If you are trying to run a decent time, you will be amazed at the number of walkers in front of you that are two and three abreast blocking your way. Just run for the fun of it, and do not worry about doing any serious running until mile two or three. After the Capitol 10,000, there are a number of runs in which local runners can take part with very little travel time getting to the race. If you are still in shape from the ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon and want to run another one, the ZOOMA Austin Half Marathon & 5K is on April 4th. Call 703-349-5335 for information. April 18th is the Chapa Challenge 5K run & walk in Kyle out at the Chapa Middle School. This is a growing race, and over 200 runners are expected this year. Call 512-268-8500 ext. 7870 for information. The next day, Sunday, April 19th, is the Dragon 5K put on by the Katherine Anne Porter Charter School in Wimberley. The T-shirts are really cool; and the best part of this race is that the Wimberley Glass Works provides the awards. Big glass bowls go to the overall champions, and even the age-group winners get awards from the Glass Works. If you are a fast runner, the first-place prize for men and women is worth entering this race. Call 512-847-6867 or 512-569-8212 for information. The next week will be a busy one for local runners, and a challenge to the hearty runner. April 25th seems to be a busy day for runs. Starting at 8:00 a.m., the Race For Relief 5K at River Ridge will start. This race is for benefits to Mbale, Uganda for relief for some of the poverty victims in that country. Call 214-425-6118 for information. If you are quick around that course, then you can head out to Country Estates for the Wonder Run 5K Run & Walk starting at 9:00 a.m. at Wonderland School. Call 512-757-1622 for information. Also on the 25th is the Texas Round Up 10K/5K in Austin. This is a state effort to get people to exercise and has a big expo, festivities and other events to highlight the event. I am sure Governor Perry will be running in this run. Call 512-262-8215 for information. On May 9th the Navarro 5K "Waddle & Run" will be held in Geronimo. This has to be a flat course if you have ever driven in that area. Call 830-556-9075 for information. It is a little early to mention, but the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon is May 16th this year. The reason for the early mention is that this is a very popular race, and early entry helps before things close. You also need a team of six runners, and it is never too late to start lining up your team. It does not hurt to ask more than six, as there has been more than one occasion where a team member for one reason or another suddenly finds that they can’t make the run; and you are left one runner short or with a runner putting in two legs of the race. Call 361-881-6166 for information. If you want more details, check out the San Marcos Runners Club web site for event registration and costs, etc. There is a lady that ran the ARA-Moe's Half Marathon and dropped off her Sunmart 50-Mile jacket at a water station. She ran 50 miles to get that jacket and it has a special meaning for her, and she would like to get it back. It is a Tyvek jacket with a rainbow-back design; so if you have it or see it, let me know so I can return it to her. 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!