There are two races coming up in San Marcos in the next couple of weekends. The Pink Heals 5K is on Oct. 12 out at the River Ridge course and the Kiwanis Pumpkin Dash 5K is out at the Toyota Dealership on Posey Road. The location of the races started me thinking how the running scene has changed in the area. Nearby towns such as Kyle, Mountain City, and Dripping Springs have a few races that are being affected by growth and liability issues as well. When the first races were held in San Marcos almost every race was held down at the Hays Courthouse on the square or out at the Hays Civic Center. I think I certified several other race courses in various sections of the city but every one of them are now a part of running history.
With the cost of putting on a race downtown, most non-profit organizations have to relocate to hold the race outside of the downtown area. Between getting a parade permit, permission from the DOT because Hopkins Street is a state highway, cost of police traffic control, insurance for liability, increased traffic, and making sure the race does not interfere with local events in the city, it became too many hurdles to clear to hold the race downtown. I am not sure if Kyle and Dripping Springs are facing the same problems. I can imagine that since these cities are among the fastest growing towns in Central Texas that if restrictions are not there yet they soon will be. The only alternative is to move the location of the race to a less traveled area with fewer state highway restrictions.
Country Estates subdivision is seeing an increase in races there since traffic is limited and permission is only required by the subdivision board. Many races are now held at the Hays Soccer Complex out at Five Mile Dam and into the Blanco Subdivision. The Cinco De Mayo moved out to Stagecoach Road for a run in true hill country roads.
