South Texas Sizzler to add brunch after race

HARLINGEN — If your New Year’s resolution was to work out and practice self-care, this race followed by brunch may be for you.

The Junior League of Harlingen will be hosting its annual South Texas Sizzler run.

But this time there’s a twist.

According to Vanessa Ramirez who is a chair on the race committee, the league came together to brainstorm ideas on how to make the run a little more fun.

“Who doesn’t enjoy eating a big breakfast after a good run?” Hinojosa said.

Ramirez said the league is expecting 500 runners to attend, but the addition of brunch could increase the number of participants.

The event will include three races: the 5K, 10K and Little Sizzle, a mile-long fun run for children.

After the run, participants can indulge in brunch catered by Rio Grande Grill with mimosas and a commemorative champagne glass.

Brunch tickets may also be purchased separate from the race for those wanting to join their running counterparts without actually running.

The event began in 2009 and was hosted by Valley Baptist Medical Center before it was handed off to the Junior League of Harlingen.

“We cannot speak as to why or how they chose us, but we are very grateful for the opportunity to host this event every year,” Ramirez said.

The event has helped to promote physical fitness in the community.

“JLH has used this opportunity to run this event as a health initiative for Harlingen as well as fundraise for the various community projects,” Ramirez said.

According to Ramirez, funds from the event are used to benefit several programs and initiatives within the JHL.

Money collected goes toward college scholarships for women, JLH programming and the organization’s biggest project for the year, teen space at the Harlingen public library.

“As we celebrate Junior League of Harlingen’s 70th Anniversary, our big project of creating a space for teenagers to feel comfortable in exploring ideas, learning leadership skills and furthering their education, aligns perfectly with the mission of JLH,” Ramirez said.