Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center fun run features Olympian Leo Manzano
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
BURNET — Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center strives to have different approaches to what it does.
So it comes as no surprise that at its first unBearable Fun! Run on Dec. 6, the 5K course will not be simply a run.
“It’s truly a fun run and pleasure walk,” said Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center Executive Director Sherie Zebrowski about the fundraiser. “There’s a couple of stops along the way. There’ll be a bear crawl. And (participants) will be given soft balls to throw at a ‘bear.'”
And when it comes to running, few members of the Highland Lakes are better known for it than 2012 Olympic silver medalist Leonel Manzano, who took second in the men’s 1,500-meter run. The 2004 graduate of Marble Falls High School will speak to attendees, and race organizers are even going to show his Olympic race in London.
“We thought Leo would be a great asset,” Zebrowski said. “He’s been so gracious. He’s even going to run with them. He loves doing this stuff. As soon as he knew his schedule, he was so agreeable.”
Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center is a retreat facility for Catholic and other Christian youth with two campuses complete with worship areas, an adoration chapel and sports facilities such as soccer fields and a climbing wall.
“We are primarily utilized on weekends,” the director said. “We rely on benefactors to keep us going. This (fundraiser) is trying to ease that pressure.”
Since it’s a fun run, there is only one race for all the participants.
Zebrowski said Eagle’s Wings wants to help continue the spiritual development of the community. So a 5K run through a portion of the 187-acre property accomplishes that.
And since the facility has an area where visitors can play horseshoes, washers, tetherball and other activities, a fun run was the next logical move, the director said.
“Kids like to play sports,” she said. “That gives youth directors an arena to play.”
Organizers have been collecting bears to hand out, which are among the prizes.
“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s a lot fun,” Zebrowski said.
Cost is $40 and goes to $50 on the day of the race.
Go to unbearablefunrun.weebly.com to sign up or for more information.
jfierro@thepicayune.com