No one could ask for better weather for an appetite-provoking Thanksgiving Day morning run. The race, the Turkey Day 10K and 5K Fun Run, hosted by the Clear Lake Regional Medical Center and the Bay Area Fit Running Club, enjoyed crisp upper 50 degree temperatures at the start which began warming in short measure.

One drawback was the questionable concept of only having 3 port-a-potties for the huge number of runners, primed with early-morning caffeine. Big mistake as the National Anthem was very well belted out and runners in long lines squirmed in line before the fragrant blue plastic outhouses.

The race began and ended in the large parking lot outside the On the Run running gear store. Store owners Kevin and Jana Landry and Jay Lee were gracious enough to allow a few under-dressed runners a warm spot before the race. The store enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the local running community, just as Andy Stewart does for the Sugarland athletes.

One of the distinguishing aspects of Thanksgiving Day morning races all over Houston and indeed, all over the nation, is the way it brings running and fitness wannabes out of the woodwork and involves them in the sport. If only 1 out of 10 is inspired to become more active, mission accomplished. It's great to see more than the normal number of jog strollers out, giving the tots an early exposure.

The race went off as planned and will hopefully become an annual event. Note to the organizers; more port-a-potties and traffic control at intersections. There were a number of dicey situation at the final turn of the race before the runners began the sprint to the finish line.

More race pictures are posted! Click the link right under the first three pictures to see all the images. Click the thumbnails to see the large views.

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