Students at this college stretch before an early morning race at the Mascarita Run 5K Oct. 15 on 10th Street. Marisa Martinez, senior specialist for student success, organized participation in the race for students who like to participate in running events. Photo by Deandra Gonzalez
Math freshman Ingrid Zamora sprints to the finish line to complete her run at the Mascarita Run 5K Oct. 15 downtown. Zamora attended the run with 314 other people who signed up and were awarded for their times in different age groups. Photo by Deandra Gonzalez
Office of student life specialist encourages participation in community events.
By Miranda A. Holden
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Hundreds of local residents joined eight students from this college in the Mascarita 5K run sponsored by Andiamo Race Productions Oct. 15 at VFW Post 76 on 10th Street.
Before sunrise, more than 300 runners registered, activated their personal chip-time devices and slipped into their free Mascarita T-shirts.
Runners gathered at the starting line at 7:30 a.m. to jump-start the race.
“Luchador,” Spanish for wrestler, was the theme, while dozens wore colorful masks to represent their Mexican culture.
Students showed their school pride by forming a team called “Los Lone Rangers” to represent this college’s mascot.
Marisa Martinez, senior specialist of student success, participated in the event as a way to stay active and promote a healthy lifestyle for students.
“It’s a refreshing way to start your morning and be a part of something different,” Martinez said.
After crossing the finish line, runners doused themselves with free bottled water and rested on picnic tables.
Medals and goody bags, including a free mask, were distributed to all participants for completing the race.
Psychology sophomore Maricela Camargo is a frequent runner, having participated in her third 5K this year with Martinez and other students from this college.
Camargo uses free events student life provides through the student activity fee while enjoying her passion and experiencing different parts of the city.
Camargo and her boyfriend motivated each other throughout the race with encouraging words to help them dart to the finish line.
Adriana Gomez-Del Campo and her brother José share a passion for running, attending 10Ks and half marathons.
Three years ago, realizing they wanted to organize races to motivate others to become active and promote a healthier lifestyle, they launched Andiamo Race Productions
The concept of the event is to honor Mexican cultural traditions while supporting a local nonprofit organization, Gomez-Del Campo said.
The pet-friendly event helped support Cherry Street Bicycle Co-op, a nonprofit organization making bikes accessible for everyone in the community.
Several dog breeds and sizes also participated in the race, wearing capes to match their owners.
At the end, the tail-waggers made a wet mess splashing water to rehydrate.
Before the award ceremony began, participants snacked on fruit, granola bars and energy drinks while enjoying live music by Dylan Loza.
A male and female from each age group with the fastest chip-time were awarded a plaque with the face of a luchador wrestler painted in glittery colors.
Students from this college didn’t place; however, everyone did well, Martinez said.
For more information on future races, call Martinez at 210-486-0129.
