Bluebonnet Fun Run a race for all ages
Fun Run participants in a previous Kids K race at the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival sprint around the Burnet County Courthouse Square in downtown Burnet. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
Anyone and everyone can make a run for the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival 5K/10K Fun Run, which takes off at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 11, an hour earlier than last year.
“This race is really special because you see people who aren’t usually runners out there together,” said Max Cardenas, president of the Burnet Chamber of Commerce and a regular runner. “It brings the whole community together—little kids, high school students, everyone. You end up running with people you know from other parts of your life, not from running.”
The race sets the pace for the biggest day of the four-day festival. Same-day registration and the starting line are at the Main Street Stage on the corner of Main and Washington streets, next to the Herman Brown Free Library.
The route takes runners around the historic courthouse square and through scenic streets and surrounding countryside before circling back to the Main Street Stage for announcements of the age-group winners and award presentations.
Although same-day registration is available beginning at 6 a.m., Cardenas recommends signing up in advance online or the YMCA of the Highland Lakes, the race’s sponsor. The fee for the 5K and 10K races is $30 in advance and $40 on the day of the race. Seniors can sign up for $25; kids for $20. Participants receive a T-shirt and a bib number for the race.
Runners register for one of four categories: 10K, 5K, Kids K, and Senior 2K. Awards for the 5K are split into age categories. All awards are handed out at 9 a.m. at the Main Street Stage.
“I used to run the 10K, but you only get a medal if you are the top male or female,” Cardenas said. “The 10K is too fast for me, so I run in my 5K age group.”
Last year, Cardenas ran with two of his daughters. He has four children: three girls and one boy. This year, his son plans to join him while the others participate in different activities, including the parade.
“I found out I’m a bad parent,” he said. “I left them in the dust last year. But I was there to see them both run across the finish line.”
Cardenas is a regular runner and has competed in races around the state. The Bluebonnet Festival race is his favorite for a very special reason, which he shared for those who are thinking about joining in on the run’s fun.
“I think of it as getting out there and earning my calories for the day,” said Cardenas, who owns Bill’s Burgers. “You can be a little more forgiving of yourself when you’ve run the 5K or 10K and come back and go to the food court.”
Before the race begins, YMCA staff will lead stretches and warmup routines.
“This is a great event that brings the chamber, the Y, and the festival together,” Cardenas said. “And it brings awareness to health and physical activity. It’s a great way to start the day, and then you are pumped up to go and enjoy the rest of the festival.”
AFTER THE RUN
Children’s activities and games take over Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday. Registration for sack races, spoon races, dashes, and more begins at 9 a.m.
A bike-decorating contest, sponsored by the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center, begins at 10:30 a.m. Bring decorated bicycles, tricycles, or wagons to the front of the Herman Brown Free Library at 9:30 a.m. for registration.
Ribbons are awarded in all children’s contests, and all activities are free.