And they're off!
Central Texas town hosts most unambitious race ever and dashes into viral sensation
On your mark, get set, you're done. That's likely what runners will hear on May 5 during the inaugural Boerne 0.5K, a race billed as the "running event for the rest of us."
Held in the picturesque Central Texas town of Boerne, located about 85 miles southwest of Austin, the event gives participants the opportunity to participate in a "race" without breaking a sweat. With a reasonable 11 am start time, the 0.5K begins at River Road Park and travels down the River Road Park walkway and underneath the Main Street Bridge, where runners will "finish in a blaze of glory."
From beginning to end, the race clocks in at 546 yards, and those looking to carbo-load halfway through can fuel up at a mid-race doughnut and coffee station. For those who fear their training isn't enough to undertake such a challenge, a VIP package will shuttle runners the entire distance in a restored '60s VW bus.
Once the arduous race is over, runners will take home participation medals, because "everyone gets recognized for their achievements at this event, no matter how bad they are, because we are all about positivity and self-worth."
If that isn't enticing enough, organizers offer this post-race incentive: "We will then head to the Cibolo Creek Brewery to relive the experience, brag to our friends, take selfies to post on social media 'I DID IT!!! I'M A FINISHER!! LOOK AT ME!!!'" The brewery is also offering a free pint of beer to all finishers.
Needless to say, a race of such epic proportions is already getting quite a bit of attention. News outlets from Good Morning America to NPR have covered the event, leading to a sell-out race. Though the 0.5K is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, it does serve as a very real fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity by providing meals for elementary school children during the weekend.
While the event can no longer accept new runners due to venue capacity and insurance caps, the Boerne 0.5K has announced the addition of the Procrastinators Prize Pack. For $25 anyone can receive a race T-shirt, a "pretentious oval 0.5K bumper sticker," and a participation medal.
