San Marcos — The hot summer days are still around and the temperatures make running in the afternoon difficult.

Remember to drink lots of water, best if you run early in the morning for cooler temperatures and be alert for warning signs of heat problems during your run. Even in hot temperatures runners can still get a work out in and if you have been running for most of this summer a certain amount of acclimatization will help you withstand the warmer days.

A good reason to keep running throughout the week is that there are a good number of races here in San Marcos over the next couple of months that local and area runners can take advantage of.

The Darndest Du that was scheduled for Aug. 15 out at the Tanger Outlet Center has been canceled. It seems that a low entry turnout was the primary reason.

This is a bit surprising since last year the entry numbers was over 150 athletes. But this year, with a week to go, only slightly over 50 athletes had signed up. Whether it is the hot weather, the economy or to many other races, the race has been canceled.

Race organizers are hoping to try again in 2011 and see if more athletes can come down to San Marcos for some great rides on the county roads on the east side of I-35.

San Marcos has three runs on the calendar in September for local runners.

The first is the very popular Country Roads 10K out at the Country Estates subdivision. The course is held out at the scenic roads of Country Estates and runners that are observant will see lots of deer watching them from the woods along the roads.

There are not many 10K races around and this is one of the best with long sleeve shirts for runners and lots of drawings for all runners after the race. The drawings are very popular and I have seen runners that did not have their name drawn for a prize offer to buy one from a lucky winner and were turned down flat.

The next weekend after that runners have the opportunity to run in two races. On Sept. 25 the Pet Fest 5K will be held at City Park along the cool and scenic River Walk. This race gives runners the chance to be paced with their pets over the course.

Then on Sept. 26, the San Marcos Professional Fire Fighters Association is hosting the Pink Heals 5K out at the Tanger Outlet Center. This is the first year for this event but from initial observation the race should have a very good turnout.

In October the very challenging, but fun run, the From Here To Eternity 5K is held on the Oct. 2 starting at the Lamar School and running through the cemetery and back. Tough uphill start to the race but a great downhill finish awaits you as you can then run fast to impress your fans.

The next weekend, on Oct. 9, the Hope For A Cure 5K is scheduled out at the River Ridge Complex and benefits Juvenile Diabetes.

After a nice rest break in the schedule for runners until Nov. 20th when Thanksgiving holiday is approaching and the Thankful Turkey 5K arrives out at the River Ridge complex again. This race draws a number of fast runners because the awards are eatable instead of the usual place the trophy on the shelf type.

Turkeys, hams and pumpkin or apple pies are the awards for the winners so not only do the winner's get a nice T-shirt they also go home with a meal for Thanksgiving day.

Take advantage of San Marcos races and save gas, sleep in an hour more and enjoy running with the local active people here in town.



Dr. Maurice Johnson is an instructor at Texas State University in the Department of Sports and Exercise Science. His column runs every Sunday in the Daily Record.