As upbeat music blared through speakers and the air buzzed with excitement Saturday April 12, nearly 8,000 runners made their way to the starting line on the corner of Speedway and 21st Street for the 15th annual Longhorn Run.
In collaboration with UT Recreational Sports, the Texas-sized tradition offers both a 5K and 10K option every spring, allowing participants to run past iconic UT landmarks, like the Moody Center and the DKR Stadium, before crossing the finish line in front of the Littlefield fountain and the UT tower.
As attendance records continue to break year after year and registration spots are sold out within weeks upon opening, the Longhorn Run has turned into an essential part of the UT experience and Austin running community.
“It’s getting more people into running, and it’s not just students,” said public relations freshman Kolton Boyd. “There’s alumni, faculty and even an open section where anyone can run it … It’s a really good opportunity for Longhorns and non-Longhorns.”
As she took in the hundreds of runners in their burnt orange shirts and volunteers working at the stands, civil engineering junior Adamri Alonzo said she appreciated the efforts of organizers to plan such a huge event right here on the Forty Acres.
“I like how the community came together,” Alonzo said. “Shout out to the DJ (and) all the people who planned it and set up the signs in front of the tower. That was a lot. I loved the music, it got me so hyped I felt I could run another one.”
For Boyd, the Longhorn Run was the perfect opportunity to stay involved in running after participating in cross country and track in junior high and high school. Now a member of the Texas Running Club, Boyd said seeing fellow TRC members volunteer as pacers and help at the water stations at the Longhorn Run not only shows their dedication to growing the running community at UT, but continuing to support those who take the chance to join.
“They really want to help people achieve their goals,” Boyd said. “Even just cheering people on is good enough so those types of things help not just you but other runners.”
Although Boyd is a seasoned runner who ran the Austin Half Marathon and Statesman Capitol 10K earlier this year, he said he wants others to start running, no matter their experience.
“It was probably one of the best races I’ve done all year,” Boyd said. “I think every person should do it at least once. Even if you’re not good at running, there’s a place for you in Longhorn Run.”
Alonzo echoed Boyd’s call to action and encouraged others who might be skeptical about signing up next year to take the chance and join the race, regardless of ability.
“Just do it,” Alonzo said. “I don’t have to be the fastest out there as long as I’m having a good time. You’re still a baddie if you finish, just cross the finish line. (It) doesn’t matter how slow or fast you go.”
