Christmas Lights

For most of the year, cycling and running events are highly competitive activities with participants maxing out their heart rates as they battle for finishing positions during races.

That all changes after Thanksgiving as the holiday spirit takes over and Christmas lights start to appear at businesses, homes and along the downtown Concho River.

The two remaining cycling and running events on the local 2014 schedule have a completely different focus with the attitude of participants shifting to enjoying the seasonal festivities with family and friends.

Both of these events are part of the 2014 Concho Christmas Celebration which organizes the 2.5-mile long Tour of Lights along the banks of the Concho River.

On Sunday evening, Dec. 7, area cyclists will gather to enjoy the noncompetitive Bike Through the Lights to view the three million Christmas lights and Christmas Greeting Cards along the Concho River.

This relaxed social ride, presented by the Concho Christmas Celebration and the San Angelo Bicycle Association, is free and open to the public.

The out-and-back ride through the lights will start at 5 p.m. at the entrance to the Tour of Lights route and will end by 5:40 p.m. Parking for participants is available next to the Central High tennis courts on River Drive.

All cyclists should have a front light on their bicycle, a rear reflector or light and must wear a bicycle helmet. Many participants also decorate their bikes with Christmas lights and other seasonal decorations.

For more information on Bike Through the Lights, contact John Gonzales at (325) 374-9779.

On Saturday Dec. 13, runners and walkers will take center stage for the annual Run Rudolph Run event at 5:30 p.m.

This will be a free, non-competitive run or walk that is open to everyone, including those with baby strollers and wheelchairs, so bring the whole family for an enjoyable active evening under the Christmas lights.

Participants will start in the lower parking lot below the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, cross Celebration Bridge and then follow an out-and-back route next to the river through the Tour of Lights.

You can complete the entire three-mile course or turn around at any point and head back to the start/finish location.

After finishing your run or walk, you’ll be able to enjoy the free hot chocolate, cookies, hot taco bean soup or grilled cheese sandwiches (while supplies last) served by the Lady Lions Club of San Angelo.

Although the event is free, donations will be accepted to benefit the Rust Street Ministries.

If you need more information regarding Run Rudolph Run, contact event director September Summers at (325) 374-0902.

So although the local competitive bike and run events have ended for this year, the end-of-year Ride Through the Lights and Run Rudolph Run may be the highlights of the season.

Put both events on your calendar and take the whole family when you go.

Remember — cycling, running or walking is a great way to enjoy the Christmas lights with family and friends.

Upcoming Events

Dec 7: Bike Through the Lights, conchochristmas-celebration.com/additional-activities
Dec 13: Run Rudolph Run, conchochristmas-celebration.com/additional-activities
Now-Jan 4: Texas Cup cyclocross series: http://txbra.org/events
Jan 7-11: Cyclocross National Championships, usacycling.org/2015/cyclo-cross-nationals