By Ashley Kontnier
People of all backgrounds, sizes and abilities flooded downtown Kyle Saturday for the inaugural Beat the Heat 5K.
The Kyle Professional Firefighters Association (Local 4567) and the Kyle Fire Department hosted their first ever 5K this past weekend, with the help of local nonprofit For the Love of Go. At 7:30 a.m., 336 runners (humans and dogs included) lined up at Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park in hopes of claiming victory in their particular division.
Entrants included Chief Kyle Taylor of the Kyle Fire Department, along with his wife Laurie and their dogs Bonnie and Max, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and wife Monica, firefighters from across the state, IDEA Kyle students and more.
“She runs the first half of the race and I run the second half. If you saw us at the beginning, she was dragging me,” said Sean Claes, owner of Top Dog award winner Towdah.
With arms raised high as he crossed the finish line, Becerra exclaimed “Thank the Lord it’s over!”
Brianna Yanez and grandpa Joe Deleon celebrate as they cross the finish line together.
For the Love of Go board member Jennifer Crosby said, “The Fire Department put on a phenomenal event! Runners came up to tell me how much fun the course was, the volunteers, getting to run through the bays of the fire station! Kyle PD brought runners and had volunteers on the course. Having the event at Mary Kyle Hartson Park was a treat! A beautiful venue, lots of space to spread out, enjoy the shade, and see the finishing stretch of the race.”
The Beat the Heat 5K is a part of a bigger Red and Blue Challenge. The follow up event will be the Blue Santa’s Dam 5 Miler, to be held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Five Mile Dam. Participants who complete both Beat the Heat and Blue Santa’s 5 Miler will be entered into a drawing for $200 to donate to the police or fire department of their choosing. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Kyle Law Enforcement Association’s Blue Santa Program.
In addition to division awards, two volunteers of the day were recognized. Lilah Cardec and Alyssa Gil stood out to runners and fellow volunteers alike.
The ultimate challenge of the day came down to the fastest fire department personnel, Cameron Saucedo, vs. the fastest police department personnel, Matthew Leathers. In the end, Saucedo claimed the victory for the fire personnel.
“At the Kyle Fire Department, we are extremely happy with the outcome. Thanks to the Kyle Professional Firefighters Association and all our sponsors to make this happen,” Freddy Rolon, division chief of training for Kyle FD said. “In the fire service, there is something we call Brotherhood; not only for the good times, also for the challenging times. When the idea of the 5K came to us, immediately we knew who [we} will be helping, a fellow brother from Buda Fire Department in the battle with cancer. “
While final numbers are still being tallied, initial estimates suggest that the race raised over $4,000 that will benefit local firefighters and their families in need of assistance.
For more information on the upcoming race, visit www.dam5miler.com or www.fortheloveofgo.com.
