Courtesy: event press release

Runners can get off the road and onto scenic, shaded trails at the Prickly Pear 10 Mile and 50K Trail Runs, taking place Saturday, May 1, 2004 in San Antonio at McAllister Park. The race, now in its third year, will take runners through the network of unpaved trails that wind through the park, and reward them with fajitas, Dos Equis beer and music at the finish line.

Both events feature relatively flat, fast courses that are on single-track cross-country trails. The trails are lined with blooming prickly pear cactuses, deer and wildflowers, providing a wilderness experience conveniently located in North Central San Antonio.

For more information call (210) 651-6096 or go online to www.pp1050.com.

The 10 Mile Race: This race course will be a single loop through McAllister Park. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up is available from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Pavilion #3 in McAllister Park. Prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female and top three in each age group (age groups are in 10- year increments). The race also features a Clydesdale and Fillies division for men over 190 lbs. and women over 140 lbs. Mandatory Clydesdale & Filly weigh-in takes place race day between 7 and 8 a.m.

The 50K Race: The course consists of three loops on trails through McAllister Park. Starting time is 7 a.m. The early start time may require runners to carry a flashlight. Race day registration and packet pick-up takes place from 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at Pavilion #3 in McAllister Park. Top three men and top three women finishers will receive awards.

The 50k event is part of the Hill Country 50kx3 Sun Series, which also includes the Hog's Hunt 50k on April 3 in Huntsville, the Rocky Hill Ranch 50k in Bastrop on April 4. The runners with the lowest combined times from all three events will win a special award.

The course closes at 2:30 p.m. for both events. Both events will offer water and aid stations stocked with food, sports drinks and other supplies, but runners are encouraged to carry water. The race will be held rain or shine as long as the park remains open. After the race, runners will enjoy fajitas, rice, beans, beer and soft drinks.

Training Runs: Starting in April, informal Prickly Pear training runs take place every Friday leading up to the race at McAllister Park. Runners will cover 5-7 miles of the race course. The runs begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Al Becken Pavilion. Runners are encouraged to bring water on these training runs.

Race Registration: Registration forms and online registration are available at the race website, www.pp1050.com. Registration forms and pre-registration are also available at Fleet Feet Sports or Roger Soler's Sports. Packet pick-up takes place Friday, April 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, San Antonio Airport location, 8615 Broadway (210-828-7200). This is the host hotel and a special rate is available for Prickly Pear runners.

Registration fees are as follows: before April 25, race entry for SARR members, the military and runners under 18 race entry is $20 for the 10 mile and $35 for the 50k. For all other runners, the cost is $25 for the 10 miler, $40 for the 50k. Late registration from Apr. 25-30 is $35 for the 10 Miler and $50 for the 50k. Race day registration for all runners is $40 for the 10 Miler and $55 for the 50k.