The McAllen Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite you to participate in the 24th Annual International Friendship Run, a 10K road race, that begins along the Mexico border and concludes in McAllen, Texas. The International Friendship Run starting point is at Anzalduas Park, which is located along the Rio Grande River, and finishes at the City of McAllen’s Los Encinos Park. The date for this year’s race is Sunday, November 22, 2009. Race time is 8 a.m.
Along the race route, spectators cheer the runners on as they pass through the town of Granjeno and sprint towards the finish line. Race participants typically come from points not only in Texas, but also across the U.S. and Mexico. Los Encinos Park, located at 2900 Sarah, in McAllen, is not only the finishing point but is also a staging point as well. Runners are instructed to arrive early; anytime after 6 a.m. is okay, in order to be bussed to the starting line at Anzaldaus Park. After the run, participants are treated to lively entertainment, hot breakfast tacos, and an optional dip in the Park’s swimming pool.
A Youth 2K Race is also held as part of the festivities. This 2K Race also begins at 8:00 a.m. simultaneously with the 10K Run. The starting line for the 2K will be along the 8K course marker on Military Highway. This gives children the opportunity to finish at the official 10K finish line and in front of their proud parents. Local elementary schools are encouraged to sign up their young runners, and the school with the most participants keeps the traveling trophy in their school trophy case for the next year.
The International Friendship Run actually kicks off on Saturday, November 21nd. Runners may pick up their packets and race numbers at the annual Registration Expo from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Palm View Community Center (3401 Jordan, corner of Ware and Jordan Road). The Expo features a traditional pasta dinner offered from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m, and all runners are encouraged to eat up. Interested participants may also register for the race at this time. Following the race and entertainment on Sunday, top finishers are awarded beautiful, custom-made trophies in thirteen age groups. Runners also receive, in addition to the pasta meal, a T-shirt, a collectable, custom-made finishing medal as well as those post-race tacos.
To register or for more information, please visit www.mcallen.net or contact the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 681-3333 or e-mail parks@mcallen.net.