International Run Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

The International Friendship Run celebrates its 25th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 21 as participants of all ages from across Texas and Mexico test their abilities in the annual 10 kilometer road race along the United States and Mexico border.

The chip-timed and USA Track and Field certified race course begins along the new Anzalduas International Bridge at 8 a.m. Runners will then make their way through the town of Granjeno and along Military Highway before making a sprint to the spectator filled finish line in McAllen’s Los Encinos Park.

First through third place trophies will be awarded in 14 different age divisions. The custom-made trophies feature Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor. The first 800 participants will receive commemorative 25th anniversary International Friendship Run finisher medals and t-shirts. Registered participants will also receive a pre-race meal and post-race tacos.

A 2K race held simultaneously provides youth ages 14 and under an opportunity to test their running skills. Beginning at the 8K point along the route, youth participants will finish at the official 10K mark in front of parents and spectators. Local schools are encouraged to participate by registering their students. The school with the most participants will be awarded a traveling trophy for an entire year.

Interested participants can register now through Friday, Nov. 19 at the McAllen Parks and Recreation Office located at 1000 S. Ware Rd, across from the new McAllen Convention Center, during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The youth 2K race fee is $5 per participant. The 10K race fee is $10 for participants registering prior to Friday, Nov. 12. Late registration after Nov. 12 is $15. A special registration expo and race packet pick-up will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Palm View Community Center located at 3401 Jordan Rd from 12 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department, the International Friendship Run began in 1985 to foster good will between runners in Mexico and the United States. The run began as a truly international race, starting from the town square in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and ending at the town square in McAllen Texas.

For more information call McAllen Parks and Recreation at (956) 681-3333 or visit www.mcallen.net/parks.