Most running events throughout the year are serious races. Runners go hard during those events as they compete for awards and bragging rights.
In mid-December of each year, however, the spirit of the Christmas season takes over and runner/walkers gather at Station 618 in the Old Town section of San Angelo for the traditional Run Rudolph Run event.
This year’s run/walk will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
September Summers, race director, says this event is different from traditional running races.
“Run Rudolph Run is a low-key noncompetitive run or walk that takes place along the trail of lights on the downtown Concho River,” said Summers.
“There is no registration, timing or awards; it’s just fun family exercise in a low-key atmosphere.”
“The Light Tour cars are put on hold for an hour, so bring your baby strollers and the whole family out to enjoy this opportunity to walk under the lights and experience them up close on foot.”
The route starts in Old Town at the intersection of East Avenue B and Orient Street, and then follows Orient through Old Town to the museum and across Celebration Bridge.
After crossing the bridge, you’ll turn left on the river trail and head west following the trail to the turnaround point that’s just before West First Street.
You’ll then reverse direction and follow the same route back to the starting point.
Along the way, you’ll take in the beauty of millions of Christmas lights that make up the trail of lights along the river.
You don’t have to complete the entire three-mile route; you can go as fast or slow as you want and can turn around at any point you choose.
Bring the whole family, push kids in a stroller, walk your dog, and stop as often as you like to enjoy the splendor of Christmas lights reflecting off the water.
All of this is part of the Concho Christmas Celebration, which began in 1995 with 21 giant cards displayed in the El Paseo de Santa Angela area.
The light tour was expanded in 1996 to create a route along River Drive.
After completing the run or walk, you’ll enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies at the finish area.
Hot soup and grilled cheese sandwiches will also be available from the Lady Lions Club of San Angelo with all donations benefiting the West Texas Eye Bank.
Be sure to bring you camera. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus attend this event each year so you’ll want to get a holiday picture with them.
Run Rudolph Run is organized by the Concho Christmas Celebration committee with assistance from sponsors that include Shannon Medical Center, the Lady Lions Club of San Angelo, the San Angelo Road Lizards running club and Angelo State University’s ASUFit program.
The best places to park near the event are the large paved lot behind Old Town across the street from the museum or at the Paseo on South Chadbourne Street.
An event flyer is posted at roadlizards.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Run-Rudolph-Run-PDF-of-final-version1.pdf.
Run Rudolph Run is a great way to view the river trail lights and celebrate the Christmas season.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 7: Christmas in Bronte 5K/10K, fbcbronte.com/funrun/
Dec. 8: Ride Through the Lights, sanangelobicycleassociation.com
Dec. 14: Run Rudolph Run, http://www.angelo.edu/services/fitness_wellness/
Dec. 14-15: Tough CX (Fredericksburg), txbra.org
Jan. 4: Resolution Run, roadlizards.org
Feb. 14: Funnel Cake 5K, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
Dec. 8: Ride Through the Lights, sanangelobicycleassociation.com
Dec. 14: Run Rudolph Run, http://www.angelo.edu/services/fitness_wellness/
Dec. 14-15: Tough CX (Fredericksburg), txbra.org
Jan. 4: Resolution Run, roadlizards.org
Feb. 14: Funnel Cake 5K, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
