McALLEN — People stretched while others jumped and jogged in place as they warmed up to begin the 10th annual McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Memorial Run early Saturday morning.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos joined the other runners as they prepared for the race to begin. He laughed as the host of the marathon announced his arrival: “Mayor Villalobos in the house; might as well give him his first place medal now.”
As they began their race confetti was blown in the air — a colorful motivation for the runners. One woman raised her arm like Rocky Balboa as she ran past the start.
People stood on the sideline holding signs and cheering on their family members.
This was the scene here at Oval Park in McAllen where the city hosted the 10th annual marathon.
The race was renamed after the late McAllen City Commissioner Scott Crane, who died of a heart attack in 2014 after participating in the race earlier that day.
Every year his family continues to support the city and the marathon.
“They are always part of it!” Villalobos said with excitement as he referred to Crane’s family. “They are runners, they participate in the marathon, they help organize, they are very active in this organization.”
This year’s race included the 5K, 10K, relay race, half marathon and full marathon. In previous years each of the races were hosted on two separate days.
The race kicked off at 7 a.m. Saturday where a “sea of purple” could be seen stretched out in front of the McAllen Convention Center.
“We’re all pretty excited that it is the 10th anniversary … people love it. It is one of the best marathons down here, whether it’s the 5K, 10K, the relay, full or half, it’s important to keep adding things to the quality of life here in the city of McAllen,” Villalobos said.
Events like the marathon, the Kids Marathon and the cities in the region participating in the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge — a statewide fitness competition which McAllen has previously won — are also highlighted by local officials as a means to address chronic illness and unhealthy lifestyles.
He explained that every year the event sees participants from across the Rio Grande Valley and even those from other states.
For many runners, progress is gauged according to the minutes and seconds they can shave off their time. For the mayor, he just wants to stay a step ahead of a certain someone.
Villalobos participated in this year’s race with his daughter, Miranda, who according to her dad didn’t quite keep up with him.
“I think I outran her today,” he said jokingly.
To see more, view Monitor photojournalist Joel Martinez’s full photo gallery here:
