San Marcos Runs For The Americas Marathon

By, Holly Ratcliff

The first of its kind, Run for The Americas is one part race, exposition, and dance party. Meant to provide citizens with an opportunity to learn about living “healthy, wealthy, and wise to 100,” the event will promote longevity and wellness.

Requiring race participants to fall under at least one of four categories to enter, this event has the potential to draw a diverse crowd.

The categories are as follows:

• The Boomer Division—Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964;
• The Teacher Division—Texas teachers, administrators, and staff members that work in public schools, universities, or colleges;
• The Veteran Division—veterans of the Armed Services and those who currently serve the USA;
• and the Collegiate Division—any student enrolled in a two or four-year postsecondary institution.

Each team will consist of four participants, and each member will compete in one of the four racing events. There will be a 5K, 10K, 15K, and a marathon, each varying in admission fees. Winners will be selected according to the team’s overall time.

Run for the Americas will seek sponsorships for funding in several forms. Businesses or companies may get involved by sponsoring a team of four or more employees, sponsoring a team of four customers, sponsoring several teams for promotion and goodwill, or promoting participation in the event. Spouses and dates are welcome to attend and companies may dress team members in their own promotional attire.

Benefits of sponsorship vary but some contributors may receive additional exposure through social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Here is a list of the current sponsors;

• Ruiz Financial Group
• Money Concepts University
• Hopson Builders
• Southside Community Center
• San Marcos Youth Services Bureau
• Hays Caldwell Women’s Center
• Mochas and Javas
• San Marcos Rattler Alumni Association
• San Marcos Corridor News

Companies may also set up a booth or table at the Wellness EXPO (open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to sell goods and services or to distribute information. Every participant of the marathon will receive eight tickets to the EXPO and Dance Party, held at the City of San Marcos Conference Center.

Run for the Americas is planning for 3,000 participants this year, but they hope to increase involvement to 25,000 by 2020.

The events are set for October 29, in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Runners should be prepared for a 7:30 a.m. starting time. Registration ends on October 28, 11:59 p.m.

For more information, visit the Run for the Americas website, https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/SanMarcos/SMRunForAmericas