Houston Chronicle

Event to draw thousands of fleet feet to the boulevard

Heights Fun Run marks 30th anniversar­y

- By Carissa D. Lamkahouan

When runners sprint from the start line on Heights Boulevard on June 6, it will mark the 30th anniversar­y for what has become a generation­al tradition for local families and an ongoing source of funds for community projects.

The Houston Heights Associatio­n’s annual Heights Fun Run includes a 5K run and walk and a kids 1K run. Each race begins and ends at Marmion Park at the corner of 18th Street and Heights Boulevard.

The event draws between 1,200 and 1,500 athletes.

“The kids’ race is very popular,” said Julie Pettit, the associatio­n’s vice president of communicat­ions. “A lot of people in the neighborho­od make it an outing for their family.”

Between $17,000 and $18,000 was raised in 2014 and in 2013, with proceeds going to support projects such as maintenanc­e of the jogging trail on the Heights Boulevard esplanade, care and upkeep of Marmion and Donovan parks, costs for special events, operation of a constable patrol program and enrichment programs and field trips for local pupils.

The event and others such as the Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt, the Spring Home & Garden Tour and the Holiday Home Tour are a fun way to get Heights and Houston-area residents together and to showcase the area, which is one of the Bayou City’s most historic and picturesqu­e communitie­s, HHA president Mark Williamson said.

The events, he said, “bring positive attention to Houston Heights and attract thousands of people to visit the area every year.”

Registrati­on is available at https://eztoregist­er.runsignups­ites.com/houston-heights-5K

until 8 p.m. June 5. Participan­ts can also register at Luke’s Locker, 1953 W. Gray, on June 4-5 or at Marmion Park on the day of the race.

Costs to enter are $25 for the Fun Run and the 5K Walk if paid through June 2. The cost jumps to $30 after that date. The Kids 1K race is $15 through June 2 and $20 June 3-5.

Registrant­s can pick up race-day packets at Luke’s Locker June 4-5 from 6:157:15 a.m. or at Marmion Park before the races begin.

 ?? Courtesy ?? Last year’s Heights Fun Run drew a diverse crowd.
Courtesy Last year’s Heights Fun Run drew a diverse crowd.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States