Continuing in the post-marathon race calendar tradition of great recovery opportunities, the Go For the Gold 10K and Fiesta 5K Fun Run will be held this Saturday, March 10, at Plaza Saltillo ― a few blocks east of downtown.  In its sixth year, these events brought races back to East Austin after a long absence and is a great opportunity to see the scenery in an often-overlooked part of our great city.

Both races are a loop starting and finishing at the Plaza, a great race site that offers a pleasant atmosphere and great staging area.   The 10K offers a challenging first half with a low grade but constant climb to the midpoint and then right back downhill towards the river.  It’s not the fastest course in Austin, but it’s a great combination of flats and hills with lots of rollers. 

The 5K course starts off downhill toward the river, joins the 10K near the river and has a slight uphill grade to the finish.  But you can’t beat running by Fiesta Gardens with that view of the Town Lake!  And it’s a great course for both experienced and new runners and walkers.

And the food!  These races have built a great reputation for good eats at the end including Nuevo Leon breakfast tacos, doughnuts, bagels, fruit and coffee.  You have to be careful not to put those calories right back on!

Back this year are the great elementary and middle school youth in the Go for the Gold Born to Run program.  Expecting 300 youth, most of these kids are new runners with new fitness goals.  With RunTex providing new shoes for each and training from their schools, this program provides a unique chance for them to participate in a fitness program, learn the value of good health, goal-setting, and accomplishment while improving their mental, and emotional well-being.  These youth are on scholarships, so your support of this race helps pay their way.

The beneficiary of these races is Southwest Key Programs.  Because it’s self-produced, 100% of the proceeds of this race benefit their East Austin Community Development Program.  It’s a community-based outreach service for the community by Johnston High School that will provide training in job readiness and computer technology as well as GED, ESL and college prep courses.  We hope there will be fitness programs there as well!

With the weather forecasted to be near 60 at starting time, it promises to be great weather, a great race and a great cause!  Information about the races, the Born to Run program and registration are at www.goforthegold10K.org or call 512.462.2181