Marathon Me

The Sunstroke Summer Stampede got some cool coverage from the Daily Texan this morning. The Daily Texan is the student newspaper for the University of Texas at Austin.

I’ve included the article contents below, so that when they move the article you can still read about it.

Racing away summer days -By Rachel Meador

Series of weekly 5K races keeps runners busy all summer

 

Nine-year-old Caitlyn Powell squinted to keep the shady live oak serving as the finish line in view, despite the blinding glare of the sunset reflecting off Lady Bird Lake.

“Come on Caitlyn, pick up the pace! You can finish in under 45 minutes today!” her father Craig Powell told her.

The Powells have spent every Wednesday evening this summer sweating it out with dozens of fellow Austin runners in the fifth annual Sunstroke Summer Stampede, a series of 12 weekly 5K races that alternate between Lady Bird Lake and Brushy Creek. Last week was the final race, and after everyone had a chance to rest and drink some water, the racers received ribbons. Awards were based on an individual’s best eight times.

“Me and my brother started running because our dad wanted us to, but we both ended up liking it,” Caitlyn said. “The races are a lot of fun because you get to meet new, friendly people and get to know them over the summer.”

Caitlyn’s dedication earned her the first place ribbon for her age group. Runners of all ages competed, including Harley Ramsey, ribbon winner for the oldest age group.

This year’s Sunstroke Summer Stampede was Ramsey’s 155th race; Wednesday evening marked his 1,054th mile. Ramsey and his friend Richard Lewis, 67, have run more than 100 races together and are among the oldest competitors in the series. For them, the races provide a friendly outlet for a lifelong commitment to running.

“Richard has been asking me for two years to come out to these races, and from the first week I understood why,” Ramsey said. “You get to spend 12 straight weeks with nice people. You all run together and become friends. Everyone is fun to be around.”

“It keeps me active,” Lewis said. “I won’t be sitting around tomorrow wishing I’d done something.”

The race is open to all ages and skill levels, with proceeds benefiting the Trail Foundation, developed to enhance and protect the trails at Lady Bird Lake. Texas State senior and novice runner Chelsea Doerr decided to join the race in the last week to take in the scenery and spend time with her brother, Robert.

“I started running this summer to get in shape, and if I’m going to be running, I might as well do it here. The lake and trails are beautiful,” Chelsea said. “Today was the first time I’ve run this trail, and it was my best time ever.”

“It’s an easy and beneficial way of getting out and having fun in a great environment,” Robert said.

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