INTRO

I am Scott aka Scottydog, runner since 1983, cancer survivor, retired Air Force, 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.

SHORT VERSION REPORT

My chip time:  35:17.  Race #67 for me for 2013. The race was sponsored by H-E-B, a huge Texas-based grocery store/superstore that is headquartered in San Antonio and does a lot each year for the communities where it's stores are located.   This race supported the San Antonio Food Bank, of which H-E-B is a major supporter.   As H-E-B always throws one heckuva party, this is a popular event so there was quite a large turn-out of runners and walkers.  The weather even cooperated. It was a bit overcast with some sunshine, about 40 degrees at start 8:30 a.m. start time, with a 'feel like" temp of 44 degrees and a dewpoint of 39.   Nice.  That is chilly for we South Texans, but still warmer - and no rain and wind - than the 2 5Ks I did last weekend with rain and a cold wind.

LONG VERSION REPORT WITH PHOTOS

The race started and finished near "The Armory", which is H-E-B headquarters and their building previously was the San Antonio Arsenal, dating back to 1859. The Arsenal originally issued ordnance stores to U.S. Army troops in the Department of Texas.  The start and finish area and the race after-party was near the historic "Commander's House" the quarters of the commander of The Arsenal

Before The Race

I arrived about an hour before the race and got some pre-start photos...participants, volunteers, supporters, etc.

Your host for this report, along with The Turkey and The Chef

The cause we supported in this race

These folks are wearing the very nice tech-tee that participants got in their goody bags

Some of the many great volunteers that were out there for us, wearing the shirts the volunteers got

Oops!  Apologies to the family here...I cut the poor kid's head off with my oh-so-great camera skills!    However, you notice I did manage to get the dog in....figures.     Good thing I don't get paid for taking these photos!

Bevo the bulldog - named after the University of Texas Longhorns mascot, Bevo the Longhorn Steer - and his family.  I told the guy holding Bevo that Bevo and I should run together since I when I run I too sound just like an old bulldog running, lol.

"Bubba" and his humans

"Buddy" the H-E-B mascot.  I see him at a lot of local events.

Nice holiday tree in the lobby of one of the H-E-B headquarters buildings

These folks did this event on Thanksgiving and then have their own event that they organize, the "original" "Santa Antonio 5K" in which participants do the 5K in Santa suits.   Held this year on Sunday, Dec 1st at Sunset Station in downtown San Antonio.  Supports the B.I.S.H. Foundation for cancer research.  Yep, I am registered, report and photos on this one coming soon.

Near the start line just before we go...

Turkey  'tail feathers"

On The Course

I found out post-race that the founder/owner of Soler Sports, Roger Soler, laid out this course, and he did a great job.  We ran through parts of downtown San Antonio, then along the San Antonio Riverwalk which got us to the historic King William District and then it was back to the start finish.  The Riverwalk was a bit tight with all these people on it, but not bad at all, Roger selected a really good part of it to handle all the folks, so nicely done Roger!

These 2 cracked everyone up...gorilla chasing banana.  I think they did more than a 5K cuz they would all over the place - being careful not to impede anyone - and zig-zagged in-and-out of nearby side streets we passed as the gorilla tried to catch the banana.  They were very entertaining.

A view of Tower Of The Americas as we ran

Onto the San Antonio Riverwalk

Through the King William Historic District which is full of 19th-century historic mansion homes like these....

After The Finish

Chip time of 35:17 for me.   I probably could have finished a little faster but there were just too many photo ops for this one, so I stopped more than I usually do to take photos.  I don't regret it at all.   After I walked around a bit and got some water I then took some post-race photos of all the "Happy Finishers" et al....

These folks are displaying the 5K "Finisher Ribbon" that all finishers got.

My pal Bernadette placed 3rd in her age group

EPILOG

A very fun event. Over the years I have done several local area turkey trots but this one is my favorite and the most fun.  Great sponsor (H-E-B), lots of room to run, nice scenic course, very outgoing and friendly participants and volunteers, nice post-race goodies, music, etc.   One of the most fun events of the year for me.   The 'funnest' race of the year, of course, is the San Antonio Roadrunners Fiesta Fandango, done during Fiesta San Antonio time, right before the Fiesta Flambeau Parade starts, so do that one if you ever get a chance.  But this Turkey Trot event is right up there for enjoyment.   This one is a keeper!

Mucho thanks to H-E-B and all their folks and all volunteers who were out there for us, to Soler Sports for the course, timing, etc, and to all the very friendly folks I met out there who let me take photos and interact with them.

After I got home from this one it was food, watching football and napping for both me and my cats, Peanut and Lulu.

Next up for me:  Marine Corps Toys For Tots 5K on November 30 and Santa Antonio 5K on December 1st.

Sounds like you had fun. I need to get back down to San Antonio sometime to do another Scottydog race.

So those girls didn't mind the "Hey, turn around so I can take a picture of your asses." 

Great RR, Scotty!

Good pics, Scotty.

Looks like a fun event.  I love the turkey hats!