More than 8,000 people gathered at the Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 12 to take part in the 3rd annual Corner Store Country Run 5K.
The majority of the funds raised by the run were donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The organization creates matches between adult volunteers called “Bigs” and children ages 6 through 18, who are called “Littles” striving to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
Corner Store CEO Kim Lubel presented a $790,000 check to the organization, garnered from proceeds of similar races held at 10 cities across the U.S. and Canada, such as Montreal, Denver, Colo., Syracuse, N.Y., Little Rock, Ark., and Phoenix, Ariz.
San Antonio runners managed to raise $134,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, $10,000 for ChildSafe, $10,000 for Project Kid 2 Kid, $10,000 to Boys Town, $10,000 to Children’s Inn, $10,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of San Antonio, $5,000 to Family Services, and $5,000 to August Heart.
In total, the Country Run raised $1.46 million for children’s charities across the nation.
The run had its usual country theme, which lined the path of the run with hay bales, tractors, and inflatable farm animals like pigs and cows. Participants were encouraged to wear country attire. Some opted in to compete for prizes that were awarded for the fastest runners in each class.
After the run, participants were treated to a family-friendly country fair with live music, food, carnival games, and a beer garden.
San Antonio-based Corner Store, which offers a broad selection of beverages, snacks, and fresh food, is one of the largest independent retailers of gas and convenience merchandise in North America. The company employs more than 14,000 people at more than 2,000 locations throughout the United States and Eastern Canada.
Learn more about the Country Run 5K here.
