24th International 10K Friendship Run set for Sunday

The 24th annual International Friendship Run will be hosted by the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department on Sunday.

The 10K road race begins 8 a.m. at Anzalduas Park and finishes at Los Encinos Park, 2900 Sarah Ave., McAllen. Spectators can cheer the runners on as they pass through the town of Granjeno along the race route and sprint towards the finish line. Participants come not only from Texas, but also from across the United States and Mexico.

Los Encinos Park also serves as a starting point for runners who would like to show up early — anytime after 6 a.m. — to be bussed to the starting line at Anzalduas Park.

After the run, runners can enjoy entertainment, hot breakfast tacos and an optional dip in the Los Encinos
Park Pool. Top finishers are awarded custom-made trophies in thirteen age groups and also receive a T-shirt and a collectable.

There will be a youth 2K race at the same time. It begins at 8 a.m. The starting line will be at the 8K course marker on Military Highway, giving children the opportunity to finish at the official 10K finish line in front of their parents.

On Saturday, runners can pick up their packets and race numbers at the annual registration expo at the Palm View Community Center, 3401 Jordan Road, McAllen, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. While there, participants can also enjoy a traditional pasta dinner offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Interested runners are also encouraged to sign up for the race at the expo.

For more information, contact the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 681-3333.

Nick Pipitone covers McAllen, PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.