History of Running of the Horns & How You Can Help Keep the Tradition Alive
Posted Mar 20, 2003 8:43 PM
Running of the Horns is one of the largest 5Ks held on campus each year. This year, like last, it will be the opening event for 40 Acres Fest, one of the largest student-run, campus-wide celebrations in the nation.
The first race was put on by the senior class of 1997 as an event to raise money to renovate the area south of the main building (or some other area like that). Unfortunately, the renovation never occurred, and the 2000 race was almost abandoned.
Luckily, the Dean of Students and the Student Volunteer Board came along and resurrected the race, hoping to use the proceeds to fund student volunteer events, and also to use the race as a bridge between the campus community and the community at large.
That same year, the Marathon Team (then the fledgling Texas Marathon Training Team) learned of the renewed effort to put on the race and decided to get involved, (1) to get our runners on the other side of the water cup (because it's fun and builds positive karma), (2) to put on a good race that gets everyone out running on campus (not just hard-core marathoners), and (3) to solidify the Marathon Team's reputation as the best running club on campus.
Since its rebirth in 2000, not only has Running of the Horns helped to realize the goals of its planning organizations, the race has reestablished itself as one of the premier events on campus. Last year, over 700 runners participated, helping to raise more than $3000 for student volunteer events.
You can help keep the tradition alive and possibly inspire a new crop of future marathoners by volunteering at the race on April 26th. You'll get the personal satisfaction of helping out fellow runners - and possibly a free shirt. I'll personally be driving up from Houston, and I hope to see you there.
Happy Running (and Volunteering),
Peter Tsan
one-time Marathon Team captain
two-time Running of the Horns coordinator