YMCA Run Thru the Woods Returns to The Woodlands This Thanksgiving! Community Liaison, Roxanne Davis, Shares What to Expect Come Race Day

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- This year, more than ever, families are eager and yearning to reconnect and return to celebrating holiday traditions. YMCA Run Thru the Woods has been a Thanksgiving Tradition since 1995! Presented by Gullo Dealerships, the race will take place Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25 both virtually and live in-person at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

The race doubles as a charity event, supporting local non-profits with the goals of strengthening The Woodlands, Spring and Oak Ridge communities.

Four races will take place:
• 1 Mile Children’s Race Presented by Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands. Start Time is 7:30am
• 3 Mile Run Presented by St. Luke's Health The Woodlands. Start Time is 8:25am
• 3 Mile Walk Presented by Alight Solutions. Start Time is 8:30am
• 5 Mile Race Presented by Houston Methodist The Woodlands: Start Time is 8:15am
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Q&A with Roxanne Davis, Community Liaison for The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadow Bend and Branch Crossing:

- What should the runners expect on the day of the race?
A family friendly atmosphere with a spirit of “giving back” in the air. It is a fun filled morning with thousands of your friends, family members and neighbors, running/walking for a cause to kick off the holidays. There is something for everyone: From the competitive runner, weekend warrior, child running their first race to a family walking with a stroller. Everyone will be greeted with smiling faces and cheers of encouragement from our volunteers along the course and at the finish line! The Kids Race begins at 7:30am. Parents can accompany their kids and/or cheer them from start to finish and still have plenty of time to participate in the 5 mile or 3 mile events. The 5 mile Race starts at 8:15am with the 3 mile starting at 8:25am.
There is a Kids Zone for the Kids, after they complete their 1 Mile Race which includes Complimentary Face Art, Balloon Art, Costumed Characters and more. Post-Race Party, will be located inside the gates of The Pavilion and includes plenty of complimentary refreshments and fruit to rehydrate and “Pizza for Breakfast” provided by Papa Johns! The holiday tradition continues.

- Where should attendees park?
Race Day morning parking: The Woodlands Mall and the Parking Garage adjacent to The Pavilion. Start and Finish Line is located on Lake Robbins, directly in front of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

- The website mentions dressing up, dress up as what?
Thanksgiving Theme! Over the years, we have had lots of creative folks wearing Thanksgiving Themed Hats, Shirts, Turkey Costumes, Pilgrim Costumes, Super Hero Costumes, Christmas themed costumes . . . along with folks dressed in aprons carrying baking utensils and wearing chef hats, to the absurd! Costumes are totally optional but so entertaining!!!

- Info for spectators; Where should they stand to watch the race? Are lawn chairs permissible? Should they dress up as well?
Spectators can line up along the course to cheer on their favorite runner. We ask that you respect all barricades and volunteers and stay off the course so as not to interfere with the runners. Chairs are welcomed but please leave pets at home. Spectators are most welcomed to wear costumes as well!

- How are the funds gathered and distributed to local charities?
Fund distribution to the local charities is allocation based. The charity groups that are benefactors, provide volunteer support Pre-Race and on Race Day Morning. Over the history of the race, the benefiting charities have, for the most part, been the same groups. All dollars raised, after expenses, is given back to the designated charities.

- Further comments?
No event can be successful without the generosity of sponsors. We are honored to have Gullo Auto Dealerships as the Presenting Sponsor in 2021. Other major sponsors include: Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, Houston Methodist Hospital The Woodlands, St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital, Memorial Hermann Medical Center The Woodlands, Alight Solutions, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Papa John’s Pizza, Market Street, Fleet Feet Sports, Pepsi Beverages Company, Jenson Foot & Ankle Specialist, Repsol, Life Time Fitness, H-E-B, Main Event and Raising Cane’s.

A reminder that registration closes at Noon on Wednesday, Nov. 24th. There is no race day morning registration.

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