Corn stalks, hay bales, and giant inflatable cows and pigs are just a few of the sights and scenery familiar to county fairs and corn mazes, but participants in the Corner Store Country Run will get to see them in San Antonio tomorrow.
The fun run is a 5K untimed race held by the San Antonio-based convenience store’s inaugural charity event, set to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters and local children’s charities, including the Family Services Association.
The race is designed for people at all fitness levels, with one participant in Phoenix completing the race in under 17 minutes. It will take the average runner about 45 minutes.
The run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St., the last event on a series of runs that began in Montreal, Canada, on Sept. 13, and that toured in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Little Rock, and Phoenix earlier this month.
Today is the last day to register for the event online, so anyone interested should visit www.CornerStoreRun.com. The cost is $30 or $75 for a family four-pack. Children under 8 years old are free. Runners can save $5 by registering in-store at any participating Corner Store location, viewable at www.CornerStore4U.com.
The event at Freeman Coliseum is free thanks to San Antonio’s sponsors, which include KSAT, University Hospital, and Coca-Cola, and it’s a great way to support local charities, said Shelly Faris, manager of community relations and communications for CST Brands, the parent company of Corner Store.
There will be a fair at the end of the fun run where participants can pick up a free backpack and a sample from Corner Store’s Fresh Choices array of beverages and snacks. There will also be live music, a beer garden, carnival games and giveaways from sponsors, as well as a food truck offering whoopee pies.
“We are always surprised by how people get into the event – especially the little ones in strollers with their bandanas,” Faris said. “We had close to 7,000 people participate in our previous race. The event has exceeded any of our expectations. … Even though the Corner Store was spun off from Valero just over a year ago, we are always looking for ways to expand.”
Runners are encouraged to dress the part for the family-oriented event with colorful country attire. Along the race, they will be challenged to jump over hay bales and run around tractors. Kids in strollers are encouraged.
“At Corner Store, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve,” LaBelle said. “With the Country Run, not only are we thrilled to be raising money for a great cause, we are looking forward to hosting fun-filled events that are open to the whole community and will get folks up and moving while having a great time.”
*Featured/top image: Runners zipped through the Corner Store Country Run’s 5K Oct. 18 at NRG Park in Houston. Photo by John Everett.
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