Large turnout expected this year

by: Veronique Medrano

The Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department will hold its 30th Annual 10K Run/Walk and two-mile Fun Run on Saturday. With 18 qualifying divisions, participants can compete in the professional bracket or jog for fun. The last day to register for the event is today.

“First and foremost, we are the largest (10K) in South Texas, and our running times here are the fastest in the state of Texas,” said event director David Chavana on what makes this race unique from others. “We had three girls and two guys who ran here last year that ran in the Olympic trials in Houston about two weeks ago.”

Last year’s 10K champion in the male division, Kenyan runner Isaack Kimaiyo, finished with a time of 28 minutes, 48 seconds and plans to attend this year’s race to defend his title. He and a group of other elite runners will arrive in Edinburg Thursday and are set to do a special Q&A with students in the Edinburg area, where they will discuss the importance of continued exercise and education.

The two-mile Fun Run had approximately 3,000 registered participants of all ages for “Family Fitness Day,” which Chavana hopes will help motivate participants to continue a healthy lifestyle.

The 10K race will begin at 9 a.m. at the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department at 315 Palm Drive. Runners will pass the courthouse, city hall, and other locations before ending at Cats Stadium, where finish times will be posted on the scoreboard.

For more information on this year’s 10k Run/Walk and Fun Run go to:http://www.cityofedinburg.com/10kRun/  or contact the Edinburg

Parks and Recreation Department at 381-5631.