International Friendship Run

10-K USA Track & Field Certified Race

2007 Results: 2007 Adult 10K | 2007 Kids 2K

2008 Results: 2008 Adult 10K | 2008 Kids 2K

2008 Photos: Via PhotoReflect.com

2008 Entry Forms:

Registration Form
Registration Form (Spanish)
Race Packet
Race Map

The McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the 23rd Anniversary of the International Friendship Run, a 10K race that starts along the Mexico border and ends in McAllen, Texas. The International Friendship Run will start at Anzalduas Park in Mission at 8:00 AM and finish in McAllen at Los Encinos Park on Sunday, November 23, 2008. The International Friendship Run is the premiere running event in South Texas.

“The International Friendship Run, a 6.2-mile race, certified by USA Track and Field, offers runners an opportunity to test their abilities and compete in a truly unique international event,” said Larry Pressler, McAllen Parks and Recreation Director.

Along the race route, festive aid stations and enthusiastic spectators will cheer the runners on as they pass through the town of Granjeno and head towards the finish line at to one of McAllen’s newest parks. Hundreds of spectators are expected at the start line and all along the race route, to cheer on runners from across Texas, the U.S. and Mexico.

Los Encinos Park, located at 2900 Sarah in McAllen, will be the site of the Finish-Line Fiesta celebrating, not only the victories of those runners competing in the international running circuit, but the accomplishments of hundreds of runners and walkers participating in the race for fun and fitness. A Youth 2K Race will also be part of the festivities. The 2K Race will begin 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 will give the children participating, the opportunity to finish at the official 10K finish line. The Youth 2K is an event developed to encourage young people to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

The International Friendship Run kicks off Sunday morning, November 23, 2008 at 8:00 AM. Runners may pick up their packets and race numbers on Saturday, November 22, at the annual Registration Expo at the Palm View Community Center (3401 Jordan, corner of Ware and Jordan Road) from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Expo will feature the traditional pasta dinner from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Interested participants may also register for the race during the Expo. Following the race, a Finish Line Fiesta will take place with trophies awarded to the top finishers in 13 age groups. All runners receive a T-shirt, finisher medal and post-race meal. For more information, call (956) 681-3333.