“Run for the Hills” is the theme of the 11th annual 5K “Run/Walk for the Hills” event to be held Saturday, May 1, 2010 in Bulverde, Texas, just north of San Antonio. The event is co-sponsored by the Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bulverde Senior Center. The race location will be at the Bulverde Senior Center, 30280 Cougar Bend in Bulverde.

The Bulverde race, with various age categories, will start at 8:00 AM in Bulverde and winds its way through the Texas Hill Country. The registration fee is $15.00 prior to April 26th and $20.00 after that. Registrations can be made online through www.rungearrun.com or www.bulverdechamber.com or by calling (830) 428-3111 or (210) 490-9987 and requesting a registration form. Check in will be at 7:00 AM on race day. On April 29th and 30th from 9AM to 7PM Anytime Fitness will offer a packet pickup and registration. Their address is 18673 Hwy 46 PKWY, Suite C, Bulverde, TX 78163, and the club phone is (830) 438-8971.The event is sanctioned by the USA Track and Field organization.

Free T-shirts and food snacks will be given to all registered runners and walkers. The first overall male and female will each receive a $50.00 prize. Awards will be given to male and female winners of 17 different age groups. Last year’s race attracted over 350 runners and walkers.

Free health screenings will be available for all participants through a Health Fair and Expo, which will add excitement and information to the event. Sponsorships are available at various levels, ranging from $25.00 to $5,000.00. Merchandise items for the popular silent auction are requested by April 23th.

Net profits from this event are divided between the Chamber and Senior Center. These funds will help fund local programs and activities in the community, focusing on education, health, exercise, socialization, “Meals on Wheels”, school supplies for St. Jude’s Children’s Ranch and the Widows and Widowers Fellowship Group and Senior Outreach Services.

The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center will be on site, from 9 to 11AM, for those participants and spectators wishing to donate blood. The Bulverde Senior Center will benefit from all blood donations through a special credit, since many of its members are not eligible to give blood. The Well/Med Neuropathy van will also be available for special testings.

Area schools, school organizations and businesses, are urged to participate in special competitions. A plaque will be awarded to the school or business entering the largest group of participants.

The Race Coordinator is Andy Rangel of Run Gear Run (210) 490-9987. Event Co-Chairs are Mary Austad (830) 438-3111 and Paul Muller (830) 438-4285. Mail inquiries should be sent to 5K Run/Walk. P.O. Box 450, Bulverde, Texas, 78163. Sponsorship table locations and advertising placement will be considered on a first come basis, within sponsorship levels. The location will be the Bulverde Senior Center at 30280 Cougar Bend, in Bulverde.