Capitol 10K: The most bad-ass 10K in Texas

Why did the chicken cross the road? To beat me at the Capitol 10K. This might not make sense if you’ve never participated in the Capitol 10K, but to those who have run or walked in this great race, you probably know what I’m talking about. There I was, half a mile from the finish line, when out of no where, this guy wearing a full chicken costume swoops in and leaves me behind in his trail of feathers. It was the worst beating I’ve ever had!

This year the Capitol 10K is celebrating its 30th year as the most bad-ass 10K around the Lone Star State. That’s right – bad ass. The race is March 25. People come out in hordes to participate in this fun little jaunt around downtown Austin, everyone from the quick and limber, to the slow and jolly. It’s truly fun for everyone and it’s what living in Austin is all about!

But I haven’t been running very much lately, you say. Well, my friends, that is no problem. I say do the race anyways because 1) it’s a big party and lots of fun and 2) you’ll always run further and faster than you think you can when you’re caught up in a pack of happy people panting like dogs. And remember you can always walk if you need to! So start running now –the weather is great – and let your spirit take over on the big day.

With that said, get your mojo going and register all ready! It’s easy – log on to their website or call them at 512.445.3598. If you hurry and register by March 1, then it’s only $22 for the fun run and $25 for the chip timed race. After March 1, the fun run goes up to $27 and the chip timed race goes up to $30. Everyone gets a nifty t-shirt for their hard efforts.

Tips For A Great Race Day Experience:

1. Pick up your packet before race day! It’s a pain in the butt to go get your packet the day of and then walk back to your car to put your stuff in your car. To avoid this headache, go to packet pickup on Friday, March 23 or Saturday March 24.
2. Pick a place. Did I mention thousands of people participate in this race? This means if you tell your friend “I’ll see you there”, then you won’t. If you want to meet up with someone, pick a specific spot. If not, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
3. Pin it on right. This means your race number goes on your front, not your back. It’s a rookie mistake, don’t fall victim!
4. Go to the bathroom before you start! This should be self explanatory. At least I hope so.
5. Dress for success. Costumes are encouraged. In fact, you’ll see everything from the UT clock tower to running babies. Just be sure it’s something you can run in.

So as that mysterious chicken man plots his victims for this year’s race, I’ll be hitting the trail to get ready for the race. Losing to a chicken once is enough for me. I’m proud that this will be my fourth year to run in the Capitol 10K, and I have to say it gets sweeter every year.