Runners, owning the reputation as some of the most devoted—some would say maniacal—athletes around, don’t really need a reason to lace up the Reeboks and start pounding the pavement; the lauded and elusive “Runner’s High” provides sufficient motivation for most.
But for runners searching for some meaning in their single minded pursuit to cover copious mileage by foot, there’s the New Years 5K/10K Fun Run, set for January 5 at Galveston State Park. Benefiting the non-profit Friends of Galveston Island State Park, the run helps to fund the volunteer organization’s efforts to offer educational programs, improve the park’s facilities, protect its wildlife, and generally serve as caretakers of the 2,013-acre park.
The run, which featured a field of about 170 runners and walkers last year, gets underway at 9 a.m. Participants are advised to enter the park by heading north on 13 Mile Road from FM 3005. The start line will be located at the bay side Tent Loop off Lake Como, and the course will wind through the nature trails on the Bay Side of the park before returning to the start line. Post race activities include the award ceremony, during which participants and their friends and family can enjoy a variety of refreshments and entertainment.
Many of the runners will no doubt be focused on achieving a personal best time, while others will be intent on just getting some exercise and having a good time on a January morning on the island. But the deeper reason behind the event should not be ignored.
The land for Galveston Island State Park was acquired from private owners in 1969 and it was officially opened in 1975. Since that time, the park has become one of the state’s most visited and popular parks thanks to the diverse array of outdoors activities that visitors can do there, including camping, fishing, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking and participating in nature study programs.
The park suffered severe damage during Hurricane Ike, but thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of volunteers and support from the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, it’s pretty much back to its pre-hurricane condition. Galveston Island State Park is home to some truly unique attractions as well, such as the Karankawa Reef. Now completely submerged, the reef is named after the mighty and, rumor has it, occasionally cannibalistic, Karankawa Indians that once inhabited the area. It is believed that the Karankawas could once wade on the reef to the mainland.
The park’s Nature Center is frequently a hive of activity on weekends, with visitors strolling through to learn about the park’s birds, mammals, fish and environment, or participating in a nature study class or workshop.
If you’ve never visited Galveston Island State Park, do yourself a favor and plan a trip today. Even during the off season, there’s plenty to do and observe. You can reach the park from I-45 by exiting right onto 61st Street and going south on 61st to the intersection of Seawall Boulevard. Turn right (west) on Seawall (officially designated FM 3005) and travel about 10 miles to the park entrance.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.