Eary Fall Running Events

As the cooler fall weather approaches, numerous running events are showing up on the regional calendar with at least 11 races scheduled during September and October and some weekends having multiple events on the same day.

With such a wide range of events to choose from, many area runners will select which events to race based on criteria such as raising funds for good causes, scenic venues, and honoring those who died during the 9/11 attack.

Four interesting events on the packed fall schedule include Run to Remember on Sept. 13, the Mason Lions Club 5/10K on Sept. 27, Shannon’s Pink Ribbon Run on Oct. 4, and the new Christoval Vineyards Half Marathon and 10K on Oct. 11.

Run to Remember on Sept. 13 will honor those who lost their lives during the attacks on 9/11 as well as those who continue to defend our country today. This event, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Angelo, will take place on the Angelo State University campus near Foster Field and will include both a 5K cross-country race and a 1.5-mile fun run/walk.

You can find out more about Run to Remember by calling (325) 486-2200 or by visiting BBBSTX.org/R2R2014.

On Sept. 27, some area runners will make the short road trip to the hill country community of Mason for the 8th annual Gem of the Hill Country 5K/10K run.

Participating runners will enjoy a great course that goes from the center of town through neighborhoods and up past the historic Fort Mason where Robert E. Lee was once stationed, and there will also be cash awards for breaking the 5K or 10K course record.

In addition to offering a scenic course, the event is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Mason Lions Club with the proceeds being used for graduating senior scholarships, volunteer fire departments, food banks, shelters, and other nonprofit charitable organizations in the region.

Gem of the Hill Country information is posted at athleteguild.com/running/mason-tx/2014-8th-annual-gem-of-the-hill-country-5-and-10k-runwalk .

On Oct. 4, downtown San Angelo will be the venue for the 7th annual Shannon Pink Ribbon Run. This large running event will feature a 1-mile run/walk, a 5K run and a 10K run with all proceeds benefiting programs at the Shannon Women’s Imaging Center.

Breast cancer survivors are invited to participate in the Pink Ribbon Run at no cost, and the first 800 paid participants will receive a free Pink Ribbon Run T-shirt. For more information, visit active.com/san-angelo-tx/running/shannon-pink-ribbon-run-2014-7777655.

The running action shifts south on Oct. 11 for the Christoval Vineyards 10K and half-marathon. Both races will start and finish at Christoval Vineyards and Winery with runners completing a challenging out-and-back course along scenic farm roads that includes the hills along Allen Road.

All runners receive a technical shirt and etched wineglass with race logo, and post-race festivities will include wine tasting and catered food to compliment the wine tasting.

In addition to the scenic course and post-race amenities, proceeds from this Run in Texas event will benefit the national Team RWB veterans organization. Full information is posted online at runintexas.com/christoval.

As noted earlier, there are at least 11 regional running events scheduled during September and October, so if the four races spotlighted above don’t match what you’re looking for just browse through the ‘Upcoming Events’ listing below for more options.

Remember — fall is coming and the regional running event calendar is full.


Upcoming events
Sept. 13: Run to Remember, BBBSTX.org/R2R2014
Sept. 13: Mudslinger Fun Run, roadlizards.org/events/mudslinger-fun-run/
Sept. 20: Color Up 5K, colorup5k.com/san-angelo
Sept. 27: High Sky Foster Run, roadlizards.org/events/high-sky-foster-run/
Sept. 27: Mason Lions Club 5/10K Run, tinyurl.com/lnq9r9n
Oct. 4: Shannon Pink Ribbon Run, tinyurl.com/kwo9rag
Oct. 11: Goodyear Race for Celebration, roadlizards.org
Oct. 11: Christoval Vineyards Half Marathon, runintexas.com/christoval
Oct. 18: Heart Walk 5K, roadlizards.org
Oct. 19: West Texas Half Marathon and 5K, westtexashalf.com/
Oct. 25: Armydillo 10K, roadlizards.org/events/armydillow-10k-run/
Nov. 1: 30K of the Dinosaur trail race, roadlizards.org
Nov. 1: Six Hours of the Dinosaur mountain bike race, angelobike.org/6hour-dinosaur