Early morning rain dampened the course but not the enthusiasm for last Friday’s sixth annual 5K Flag Run through downtown Boerne.
“This year, we’ve had the most people that have ever signed up for the race. At last count we were at 470,” said race organizer Toby Vicknair. “Our biggest turnout had been 387, so we’re up from that, so that’s awesome.”
The 5K weaves and winds through streets from its West San Antonio Avenue starting line. Dozens took off on a one-mile walk version of the Flag Run before the masses started on their way.
Boerne residents Eric and Sarah Schwarz turned out again this year, as they have for the past four years.
“I’ve done a lot of them, I’ve run full marathons, half-marathons,” Eric Schwarz said. “But my jam lately has been the 5K. This (rainy and windy conditions) is like the edge of what I like to run. But it’s a blessing to see this liquid sunshine.”
Sarah, who said she’s been doing 5Ks for a number of years, was unable to participate last year ... technically.
“I was recovering from ankle, leg and foot surgery, so he actually ran for me,’ Sarah said. “He had my number on one leg, and his on the other.”
And THEY’RE OFF! Runners leave the starting line during the July 4 Flag Run 5K in Boerne. Race winner Jack White (center, with hat) was among the first group across the line.
Star photo by Jeff B. Flinn “She beat me last year, by a foot,” Eric said.
Angie Synapzske of Boerne came out with a flag, the first time she’s carried one in a race.
“With the wind, it’ll probably be whipping around a little bit,” she said.
“I’ve done 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, in bad weather before, yes,” she said. “But never with a flag. I just plan to go with it, see how it goes when I’m out there.”
Hugo Valdez, who came out from San Antonio for his fourth 5K Flag Run, said the drizzling rain will help keep the heat down, a factor in last year’s 5K when temperatures topped 95 degrees at the race’s end.
Shooting for a time of 26 minutes, Valdez finished the race in 26:13, nearly hitting his mark.
Jack White, 22, repeated as race champion, finishing in a time of 15:47.
“It didn’t feel as good as I hoped, it was really wet today,” White said. “But it was better than last year. Last year I ran a 16:00 flat, so I ran a good 10 seconds faster.”
Vicknair said all proceeds from the race go to the Boerne Fire Department. “That helps support a scholarship for someone going into the fire service, to get their certification,” he said. The remainder of the funds will be used to purchase a UTV for the BFD’s wildland specialized unit.
The top three finishers in each age category receive watermelons, a Flag Run tradition that goes well with the typical July Fourth family outings and picnics.
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