Bluebonnet Fun Run a race for all ages

Fun Run individuals in a earlier Kids Ok race on the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival dash across the Burnet County Courthouse Square in downtown Burnet. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

Anyone and everybody could make a run for the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival 5K/10K Fun Run, which takes off at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 11, an hour sooner than final yr.

“This race is really special because you see people who aren’t usually runners out there together,” mentioned Max Cardenas, president of the Burnet Chamber of Commerce and an everyday runner. “It brings the whole community together—little kids, high school students, everyone. You end up running with people you know from other parts of your life, not from running.”

The race units the tempo for the largest day of the four-day competition. Same-day registration and the beginning line are on the Main Street Stage on the nook of Main and Washington streets, subsequent to the Herman Brown Free Library. 

The route takes runners across the historic courthouse sq. and thru scenic streets and surrounding countryside earlier than circling again to the Main Street Stage for bulletins of the age-group winners and award shows. 

Although same-day registration is accessible starting at 6 a.m., Cardenas recommends signing up upfront online or the YMCA of the Highland Lakes, the race’s sponsor. The price for the 5K and 10K races is $30 upfront and $40 on the day of the race. Seniors can join $25; youngsters for $20. Participants obtain a T-shirt and a bib quantity for the race.

Runners register for one among 4 classes: 10K, 5K, Kids K, and Senior 2K. Awards for the 5K are cut up into age classes. All awards are handed out at 9 a.m. on the Main Street Stage.

“I used to run the 10K, but you only get a medal if you are the top male or female,” Cardenas mentioned. “The 10K is too fast for me, so I run in my 5K age group.” 

Last yr, Cardenas ran with two of his daughters. He has 4 youngsters: three ladies and one boy. This yr, his son plans to hitch him whereas the others take part in several actions, together with the parade. 

“I found out I’m a bad parent,” he mentioned. “I left them in the dust last year. But I was there to see them both run across the finish line.” 

Cardenas is an everyday runner and has competed in races across the state. The Bluebonnet Festival race is his favourite for a really particular cause, which he shared for individuals who are interested by becoming a member of in on the run’s enjoyable.

“I think of it as getting out there and earning my calories for the day,” mentioned Cardenas, who owns Bill’s Burgers. “You can be a little more forgiving of yourself when you’ve run the 5K or 10K and come back and go to the food court.” 

Before the race begins, YMCA employees will lead stretches and warmup routines. 

“This is a great event that brings the chamber, the Y, and the festival together,” Cardenas mentioned. “And it brings awareness to health and physical activity. It’s a great way to start the day, and then you are pumped up to go and enjoy the rest of the festival.”

AFTER THE RUN

Children’s actions and video games take over Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday. Registration for sack races, spoon races, dashes, and extra begins at 9 a.m. 

A motorcycle-decorating contest, sponsored by the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center, begins at 10:30 a.m. Bring adorned bicycles, tricycles, or wagons to the entrance of the Herman Brown Free Library at 9:30 a.m. for registration.  

Ribbons are awarded in all youngsters’s contests, and all actions are free.