FAQ

When and where does the race take place?

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Sunday, September 9, 2012. The course is an out and back on Allen Parkway, starting and finishing at Sam Houston Park. The 5K race and walk begins at 7:30 a.m. The Kids 1K begins at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive at least one hour prior to the event. top

How will it be timed?

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The 5K run/walk uses an electronic timing system that records race time and place using reusable IPICO chips that tie onto the runners shoe with two ties. Please tie them onto the shoe firmly with the provided ties. We will have recycling bins after the finish line. top

How will I receive my results?

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Official results will be posted at www.houstonrunforrecovery.com. top

What do I do with my personal items while I’m running/walking?

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You can leave your items at a bag drop at Sam Houston Park. Look for the “Bag Drop” sign near the gazebo. All items must be picked up by 9:30 a.m.top

What awaits me at the post-race party?

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For race participants there is food and drink near the church and free massages from Koala Health and Wellness Center. For all visitors, coffee, water and soft drinks will be available. top

Where can I get my race photo?

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Your Run for Recovery individual race photo will be posted at www.yoursportingimage.com and available for your purchase. top

What are the awards?

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Overall winner - male and female – finisher’s award and a massage certificate from Koala Health and Wellness Center.
Overall master - male and female – finisher’s award and a massage certificate from Koala Health and Wellness Center.

Male and Female age group winners (13-19, 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over) will get a $15 certificate from Luke’s Locker. top

Where should I park?

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Free parking is available in the Continental Center I parking garage located at 1600 Smith Street. Enter from either Howe Street or Ruthven/Shaw. All participants must park on the 4th floor and above. Please do not park on the ground floor, 2nd or 3rd floor as these are reserved parking for tenants only.

There is also plenty of free street parking near Sam Houston Park. Surface lots are available for a parking fee – remember to bring cash for the meters. top

Will the race be held if it is raining?

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Run for Recovery is a “rain or shine” event. However, if weather conditions threaten the safety of participants, the race would be cancelled. Sorry no refunds. top

When does registration open?

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Soon!

What do I get with my Race Registration?

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Houston Run For Recovery is so much more than just another 5K! We are going to give you all kinds of goodies including a 2012 Run For Recovery Technical Tee-Shirt custom designed for this year's race, promotional products from local treatment centers and recovery organizations, including recycled, reusable tote bags and insulated lunch bags, and items from local sponsors! top

What happens if I become injured after I enter and cannot participate?

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There are no medical comps, rollovers or refunds, nor can you transfer your registration to another person. Medical Personnel and EMS will be on site in case of major accident.top

Can I walk?

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Yes! Walkers are welcome. We ask that you start closer to the back of the line to allow runners to make their best time.top

Can I Get a Press Release?

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Run for Recovery Increases Pace for Third Year

Houston’s newest player on the running scene is off to the races

The Houston Run for Recovery, now entering its third year with its second annual race scheduled for September 9, 2012, is showing its staying power in a community known as one of the strongest in the nation’s burgeoning recovery movement. 

 “People who aren’t aware of Houston’s recovery movement would be surprised at how many citizens in our community are in recovery—they could be the person next door, or the CEO of a large company,” states Kay Austin, co-chair of the 2012 Houston Run for Recovery and CEO of Santa Maria Hostel. “Our goal is to reach out to the community and say, ‘Houston, here we are! Come join us, and be a part of the celebration.’”

While the race celebrates recovery, its goal is to reach beyond those in recovery to the entire running community. This year’s planners are expanding their outreach efforts to include running clubs and increase the race’s level of legitimacy. “As more serious runners become involved, we continue to build our numbers and also help others see the promise of a holistic approach to health in all areas of our lives,” adds Austin.

Participants are not necessarily individuals who have experienced recovery personally. However, anyone who has seen the benefits of recovery in someone they know and love can understand and share the joy of celebrating it.

Houston’s first Run for Recovery, held in Recovery Month (September) 2010, had a much stronger showing than anticipated, with about 750 registrants and 450 participants. “Considering it was our first year, we thought we’d have about 50 people,” says Austin. 

Austin, a co-founder of the race along with Keith Liles, CEO of Extended Aftercare, and Leonard Kinkaid, Chief Government Relations Officer of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston, explains that the idea for the race originated when she was attending a national conference focused on the social aspects of recovery, where she heard stories of successful runs in other communities.

In the process of planning the event, the organizers discovered that many people in the recovery movement also are active in the running community, which proved to be a huge catalyst for getting the race up and running. Volunteers from the running community were instrumental in setting up the race to accommodate everyone from the professional runner striving to set a new official time to casual walkers supporting those in recovery. (Walkers are asked to start near the back of the pack to allow serious runners to achieve their best time.)

The race begins at 7:30 a.m. at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby St., Houston and follows Allen Parkway for 1.5 miles and back for a total distance of 3.2 miles. This year’s event includes an added 1K Kids Run, which starts after the 5 K race, in addition to popular children’s activities carried over from last year. After the race, a simple celebration will include awards, music, and food.

Registration will be available online, in person September 7 and 8 at Luke’s Locker, 1953 West Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019, or on-site at 6:00 a.m. on the day of the event. Fees for the adult 5K are $25 until September 1 and $30 thereafter, and the kids 1K are $10 until September 1 and $13 thereafter. Proceeds will go to recovery-based scholarships.

Contact HoustonRunforRecovery.com for more details top