KYLE’S FIRST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 5K
This is the first 5K race in conjunction with the Sixth Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks in Kyle on July 3. The proceeds of this race benefit police officer Martin Ortiz, who suffered a stroke last December. Head to the beautiful Hill Country and spend the day enjoying the spectacular fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Other festivities include a chili cook-off, talent show, live music, craft and food booths, pie-eating and seed-spitting contests and more. The course covers a long-winding country road, with a few small hills and plenty of trees to shade you while enjoying the fresh air, beautiful scenery and peace and quiet of the country. Registration fees are $15 for 5K walkers and participants running for fun, and $18 for competitive chip-timed runners. Emergency medical technicians, fire fighters and police officers all receive a $3 discount, too. For more information, e-mail angiebernal@austin.rr.com or visit www.cityofkyle.com/parks. To register, visit www.signmeupsports.com.

RUN-TEX SUMMER TRACK MEET
Run one race or run them all. The Run-Tex Summer Track Meet on July 23 is free to anyone wanting the opportunity to run fast or just participate in group interval workouts. The schedule of events will have a rolling start, meaning each race will begin soon after the previous race finishes. The meet will begin at 8 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. at Williamson County Regional Park in Round Rock. Events will include the 4 x 100 meter relay, 1500 meter, 100 meter, 4 x 800 meter relay, 400 meter, 200 meter, 5,000 meter and the 4 x 400 meter. For more information, call 255-2100 or e-mail donnie.oneal@runtex.com.

BLANCO OUT BACK TRIATHLON
It’s time to get away to friendly Blanco, Texas for the Blanco Out Back Triathlon on July 31 at 7 a.m. Swim in the cool Blanco River, run under the oak trees and cycle on some of the prettiest stretches of road in Texas. Why is it called “out back”? Because it’s out back in the country, and there is definitely a sense of Outback adventure. In fact, all participants will receive Outback hats. El Grande Gator consists of an 800-meter swim, 20-mile bike ride and 6K run, and El Mini Gator consists of a 400-meter swim, 10-mile bike ride and 3K run. This event is part of the Texas Triathlon Series. Registration fees are $50 for El Grande Gator and $75 for El Grande Gator relays. El Mini Gator registration fees are $30. Receive a commemorative Gator gift if you register before July 20! For more information, call (210) 366-3701 or visit www.rogersoler.com. To register, visit www.signmeupsports.com.