Capitol 10K: a fun experience

As I have stated before in this blogspace, I am not a particularly fast runner and 5 and 10k races are often a struggle for me. Nevertheless, I had a great time at this year's running of the Capital 10K over in Austin.

Despite the efforts of race organizers to sign up 30 thousand participants, this 30th running of an Austin tradition found around 15 thousand takers shoulder to shoulder, curb to curb up and down Congress Avenue. I couldn't resist looking back as I reached the Capitol grounds in order to marvel at the spectacle of all those runners and walkers in the early stages of the race.

The Capitol 10K is really several races rolled into one. First, there are the wheel chair athletes. Then the block of several hundred "rabbits" who sprint away with intentions of prize money, ranking or crossing the finish at around half an hour. Following are the serious runners who train year-round and race in pursuit of new personal bests or just for the thrill of being in shape. And finally there are those who participate in the Capitol 10K for the tradition of fun, costumes and being a part of this Austin tradition.

A course record which had stood for 10 years was bested by Nicodemus Malakwen, a 25-year-old from Chapel Hill, who won the race in 29:42. The winning woman was Austin's Albina Gallyamova who finished in 35:28. It's difficult to not admire these elite runners and my hat is certainly off to them. But my hat's off as well to the humorous, sometimes odd, costumed runners. My personal favorites were a fellow in a business suit, carrying a briefcase, and the lady who ran in a colorful Flamenco outfit.

Friends asked me if I wore a costume. I suppose I masqueraded as a runner. Nevertheless, the bottom line was I had fun, as did most all of the runners, walkers and strollers in this years "run." With lots of future events coming up in the San Antonio/Central Texas area, maybe you too will consider a 5 or 10k in your future.