By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
They came. The saw. They sweated … a lot.
Nearly 80 teams competed in Adventure on the Creek 3 May 20, cycling, running and kayaking their way through South Del Rio. The event drew competitors from all walks of life, from law enforcement officials to educators, for the chance to earn bragging rights and the first place award in their respective divisions.
The event was a fundraiser for the San Felipe Del Rio CISD Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps fund educational projects and activities that are not otherwise funded by public monies. The group, which was founded in 2012, annually presents scholarships to educators to fund these projects that encourage education “outside of the box.”
According to board members, the annual Adventure Race raises nearly $20,000 to help fund those scholarships.
The three-stage event began just outside the entrance of Rotary Park off Academy Street with a 6.5-mile bike ride. The route took competitors through South Del Rio, eventually returning to the starting spot. Teams were staggered to allow for the different divisions, from individual to all-female to all-male and co-ed competitors, the opportunity to start with their respective teams.
Once the riders returned, they passed a band that kept track of the team’s time to another competitor who began the 2.75-mile run to Romanelli Park where the kayaking portion would begin. From there, it was a 1.25-mile trip down San Felipe Creek to a spot just outside Rotary Park where competitors climbed back onto the bank and raced to the finish line.
While most of the teams featured multiple members, some gutsy competitors chose to go it alone. No matter the number of team members, each entry had to complete all three phases.
The fastest time overall was turned in by ERO Architects – Team 1, which finished in a time of 54 minutes, 55 seconds to win the Male Relay Division. The top female relay team was the Pickle Chicks, which completed the course in 1:02:33.
Jose Gonzalez was the top individual performer, clocking in at 1:00:31, the fifth fastest time overall.
Team USPO Del Rio Division #1 won the law enforcement division for the third consecutive time.
The top performers from the race are as follows:
FEMALE DIVISION
INDIVIDUAL
30-39 YEARS CATEGORY – Mandy Salas, 1st, 1:27:46
40-49 YEARS CATEGORY – Megan Terry, 1st, 1:19:01
50-59 YEARS CATEGORY – Ana Sanchez, 1st, 1:29:26
RELAY
Pickle Chicks, 1st, 1:02:33
MALE DIVISION
INDIVIDUAL
17 & UNDER – Jose Gonzalez, 1st, 1:00:31
20-29 YEARS CATEGORY – Oswaldo De Leon, 1st, 1:16:34
30-39 YEARS CATEGORY – Scott Mann, 1st, 1:05:44
40-49 YEARS CATEGORY – Rick Garza, 1st, 1:01:34
50-59 YEARS CATEGORY – Jesse Chavez, 1st, 1:16:02
RELAY
ERO Architects – Team 1, 1st, 54:55
COED RELAY
SEND IT, 1ST, 1:03:00
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Team USPO Del Rio Division #1, 1st, 1:04:04
SCHOOL DISTRICT
ELEMENTARY
Cardwell Cubs – 1st, 1:10:29
Cub Avengers – 2nd, 1:13:10
Mighty Cougars – 3rd, 1:18:05
SECONDARY
Triathlon Tigers – 1st, 1:00:44
DRMS Tri-Hards – 2nd, 1:08:27
The Algebraic Athletes – 3rd, 1:30:14
TOP 10 OVERALL BEST TIMES
1st – ERO Architects – Team 1, 54:55
2nd – Goal Diggers, 57:16
3rd – Amistad Running Club, 58:04
4th – Crazy Birds, 1:00:12
5th – Jose Gonzalez, 1:00:31
6th – Triathlon Titans, 1:00:44
7th – Zaetta Bikes Acuña, 1:00:48
8th – Rick Garza, 1:01:34
9th – Pickle Chicks, 1:02:33
10th – SEND IT, 1:03:00
—
Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
