Record turnout, community spirit and thrilling Powder Puff finish highlight annual SMA tradition
San Marcos Academy celebrated one of its biggest and most spirited days of the year on Saturday, Oct. 4, as more than 750 guests joined in the fun throughout the day at the annual OctoBEARFest and BEAR RUN 5K & Kids 1K.
“From start to finish, Saturday was a joyful display of school spirit, community and generosity,” said Dr. Brian Guenther, SMA President. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who ran, volunteered, sponsored, and celebrated with us. It’s days like this that remind us what it means to be part of the Bear family.”
The day began at sunrise with the BEAR RUN 5K and Kids 1K, drawing over 250 runners from across Central Texas. The overall 5K winner was none other than SMA’s own eighth grader, Thomas Whitley, who crossed the finish line to cheers from the Bear community.
Festivities continued into the afternoon with OctoBEARFest, a campus- wide celebration featuring live entertainment from Three Rivers Revival, as well as food, games and family fun. Festival-goers enjoyed a variety of attractions including games and booths hosted by student organizations and classes, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, hay rides, a country dance performed by Lower School students, and a silent auction benefiting the Lower School.
The event raised $45,000 to support student programs, athletics and campus initiatives at San Marcos Academy.
Under the lights, the excitement peaked as the annual Juniors vs. Seniors Powder Puff Football Game delivered a hardfought battle, with the Juniors taking home the win in a thrilling finish that capped off a day full of Bear pride. The stands roared as junior and senior boys took to the sidelines to coach and cheer on their classmates, adding to the electric energy and friendly rivalry that makes this SMA tradition so beloved.
San Marcos Academy extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made the Bear Run and OctoBEARFest possible: For the Love of Go, H-E-B, Divided Sky Roofing & Solar, Chickfil- A, Texan Care Family Medicine & Loli’s Med Spa — 5K/1K Title Sponsor, La Cima — Festival Title Sponsor, Frost Bank, Game Day Men’s Health, The Childbloom Guitar Program, British Swim School, Royal Cleaners, Texas Rescue Med, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, Central Texas Eye Center, and the Rains Family. And a special thanks to Gary Job Corps for providing volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly.
“OctoBEARFest began in 2019 as a way to live out our mission beyond the classroom and share God’s love with the community around us. It’s grown each year thanks to generous sponsors and partners who believe in investing in students and the work God is doing at San Marcos Academy. The Bear Run 5K and 1K, now in its third year, has become an important part of that purpose,” said Eric Casillas, CFRE, Director of Institutional Advancement and Chief Development Officer at San Marcos Academy. “It’s more than an event—it’s a celebration of the relationships, traditions, and shared purpose that make the Academy such a unique and faithfilled place.”
ABOUT SAN MARCOS ACADEMY Founded in 1907, San Marcos Academy (SMA) is a private, Christ-centered school dedicated to nurturing students in faith, character, and academic excellence. SMA serves day and boarding students from across Texas and around the world, preparing them to be leaders of integrity and purpose. Learn more at smabears.org.
Members of the Junior Class celebrate their win after the Powder Puff game. Photo courtesy of San Marcos Academy
Gary Job Corp volunteers at OctoBEARFest. Photo courtesy of San Marcos Academy
Teagan Thomason and Charlee Wood participate in the Cub Network booth. Photo courtesy of San Marcos Academy
