Fall races are cautiously gearing up.
We’re not there yet. The pandemic continues to throw curve balls at us, and many major races have had to adjust their dates multiple times. The Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii for example, had to back off from its October 9th date and postpone the event until February 5, 2022. And the Boston Marathon, which had pushed its April 2021 date to September is now set for October 11, and they’re keeping their fingers crossed.
Still, you can now see races on the horizon. Many of the smaller local races are making a go of it.
The Oatmeal Festival 3.3 mile RUN for your OATS is set for 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 4 in downtown Bertram. The 44th edition of this old-fashioned venerable race features all-day outdoor events including arts & crafts booths; food booths; pet & grand parades; baking contest; BBQ cooking contest; live music & entertainment; kids’ carnival; and a street dance in the evening.
The beloved Zilker Relays are scheduled to take place at Zilker Park on Friday September 10 at 6:30 p.m. It’s a 10-mile relay race, as teams of four runners compete, where each runner completes a 2.5-mile loop. A post-race party in the shade of the tress by the finish featuring food from TacoDeli is also scheduled. Race organizers ask that runners wear masks (when not running or eating) and maintain proper social distancing etiquette. The field is limited to 1,200 runners.
The Gruene 5K/10K is an oldie but goodie with a moderately hilly rolling course. This year’s event is set for Saturday, September 11 at 8:00 a.m. The race starts in front of Gruene Hall and runs through the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding this historic community. The event is advertising Texas music, breakfast tacos and cold beer from Guadalupe Brewing Company.
Up for some cross-country? Try the Cedar Park XC Open/Club/2-Miler on Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 a.m. This is a “2-mile race around the Cedar Park XC course at 2150 Cypress Creek Cedar Park that is both competitive for those looking to race as well as a great family event for anyone just wanting the excitement and experience that the high school athletes experience.”
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K takes place at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 26 at Camp Mabry. The event is dedicated to the goal of never forgetting the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military. While it is a real “in person” race, a virtual option is also available.
