Posted:  Sep 26, 2015

INTRO

I am Scott aka Scottydog aka Scotty Dogg, runner since 1983, cancer survivor, retired Air Force, employee of University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), friend of dogs, fun-runner, and all-around goofball.  In 2003 I had spinal arthritis flare up and ever since then I’ve done the run/walk method since it hurts my back too much now to run continuously with no walk breaks.  I’m on what I call my “2F Plan” which stands for Fun and Finish.  At events that I now do for fun I carry my camera, chase “Great Legs” to help motivate my slow old man self to keep moving forward, and take pictures before, during, and after the race. Sometimes I even get a nice post-race sweaty hug from one of the Great Legs ladies.   I then do a pictorial race report of my events.  I also carry dog biscuits with me to treat any dogs I may meet at a run, hence my nickname “Scottydog.” Here is yet another of my Race Reports With Photos, and my thanks to all the people I interacted with for their graciousness and good humor in letting me take photos of them.

This was my 47th race of 2015 and the first of two races I was doing for the weekend of Sep 26 - Sep 27.  Held this year on Sep 26, 2015, Head for the Cure 5K was established locally in 2014 by local TV Station KSAT, Channel 13 (local ABC affiliate), in honor of their news director, Jim Boyle who died of brain cancer.  Affiliated with the Head for the Cure Foundation which has this 5K at several cities around the country, this event raises money to help find a cure for brain cancer.   The first year in San Antonio there were about 1,000 participants.  This year it increased a bit, with 1200 or so participants.  I ended up with a finish time of 31:57 and was still 5th in my age group (60 - 64).  Some speedy old farts in my age group, lol.

BEFORE THE START

I arrived with about an hour to go before start time - which was nice, I good parking.  It was still a bit dark outside but I wandered around anyway and got a few pre-start photos.

Race location:  Providence High School on St. Mary's Street

The front of the school where the start and finish was

Welcome to Head for the Cure

A local Scout Master and some of his troop.  The Scouts were volunteers and out on the course cheering everyone one, handing out water, directing runners on the route, etc.

Folks from Run Wild local running specialty store, owned by my good friends Catherine and her dog, Emma (yes, I consider the dog an owner too; she practically 'runs' the place..literally  )  Emma and Cat were not here today, but I can assure you, Cat, your folks were actually working and doing great. 

Gentleman on the left was our MC and on the right one of the band that provided us live music.

This gentleman was the lead pace bike guy

Some of the volunteers, participants, supporters, etc

After it started getting lighter, it was easier for my old eyes to actually see my photo subjects. 

Super Scottydog joins the group.  My superpower:  I'm super slow.... 

Getting ready to go.   Very sunny day...but the weather was very cooperative..about 69 degrees at 8 a.m. start time, low humidity and low dew-point; you could actually feel the 'cool' in the air...sweeet!

ON THE COURSE

We started on a driveway in front of the school, went down to St. Mary's Street, made a right turn, and then did a 2-loop course on very flat streets - not a hill in sight! - finishing the on our second loop by going up the driveway and across the finish line timing mats.  Of course, it being two loops, on the start of my second loop the guy who won the 5K was already finishing up his second loop and lapped me on his way to a 17-something minute finish, sheesh.

On the route, playing for all the runners and walkers passing by

AFTER THE FINISH

"Happy Finishers", supporters, volunteers, etc...  and a good time seemed to be had by all!   There were Age Group awards but this year all finishers also got a souvenir medal

KSAT was on-site doing various interviews, etc, and I got a photo with the lovely Myra Arthur, one of their news reporters

These 'characters' were at the finish line handing out medals

Little Superman has got "attitude"!  He cracked me up, lol.  Looking strong there, buddy!

A man and his dog....it figures, doesn't it, I only remember the dog's name, lol - Charlie, short for Charlotte.

This team was so large I took several photos of them with my 'non-wide lens' camera to get them all in

The EMTs that were out there for us

EPILOG

This is my 2nd year in a row for doing this event, - so I've done them all so far!  -  so now that I'm on a 'streak" I guess I will have to do all the future ones too, to keep my streak going.  Very nicely organized event and lots of ongoing activity - live music, all kinds of vendor booths, nice post-race sausage wraps (but, what, no cold beer to go with the wraps? ), lots of folks in costume, and lots of teams there running or walking in honor of someone.  KSAT puts on a good race, this one is definitely a fun event with a very worthwhile cause. And the course is SO darn flat, good course to shoot for a 5K PR for runners so inclined.  Definitely would recommend this to my fellow runners and walkers.   Much thanks to the organizers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, law enforcement, EMTs, etc...all the folks who all made this one possible for we participants.

Next up for me:  Siclovia 5K on Sep 27, 2015.   I might have to take a nap today and rest up.