Run Thru the Woods This Thanksgiving Day

GE Run Thru the Woods has become a local holiday tradition for families living in The Woodlands and surrounding communities on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. According to Roxanne Davis, YMCA Marketing Director and Event Co/Organizer, a short note attached to a group of entry forms recently received from a local family simply stating, “It’s now our family tradition since 1993” is a common sentiment heard over and over again from participants.

Organizers have added a canned food drive benefiting Can-N-Keys, a Christian Food Bank, to the list of benefactors for 2009. Everyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable canned goods with them on Thanksgiving Day morning. Collection barrels will be available at convenient drop off points in the designated parking areas so you can drop off your cans before you park your car. Collection barrels are also available at both YMCA locations in The Woodlands during the month of November. For more information please visit can-n-keys.org.

Attracting more than 5,500 participants, spectators and volunteers annually, the early morning event generates more than $100,000 for local charitable organizations including the South Montgomery County YMCA, Operation Graduation, Conroe ISD AFJROTC, CWM Pavilion Education Outreach Program and the Montgomery County Humane Society.

The event has something for everyone: young and old, serious runner to the weekend warrior and everyone in between, as well as the non-runner.

· 5 Mile USATF Certified Run

· 1 Mile race for Children, ages 12 and under

· 3 mile Teen Race for ages 12 – 17

· For the non-runners, there is a 3 mile Family Walk

The 2009 event will be using the “D” Disposable Timing Tag for scoring the race, replacing the timing chip from years past. The tag eliminates the hassle of chip pick up on race day morning as well as the delay in returning the chip once you cross the finish line. Back by popular demand is the complimentary Pancake Breakfast prepared by “The Egg & I” for all participants! The “Eggsters” are gearing up to serve more than 5000 “plate size” pancakes and sausage on Thanksgiving morning!

All events start and finish at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands Town Center. The children’s race kicks off at 7:45 a.m. followed by the 5 mile race at 8:15 a.m.; the 3 mile Teen Race at 8:20 a.m.; and 3 mile walk at 8:25 a.m.

Online registration is available at runthruthewoods.org or you can stop by the South Montgomery County YMCAs and register: 6145 Shadowbend Place and 8100 Ashlane Way in The Woodlands. For more information please call 281-367-YMCA.