Apr 17

4/17/2012 11:48 AM 

Vern's No Frills 5K is just what it sounds like... a 5k with no frills. The race will celebrate its third anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the starting line of the newly certified 5K trail (3.1 miles) this coming Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Berry Springs Park and Preserve, 1801 C.R. 152, Georgetown. The newly certified 5K course will have new half-mile markers along the trail.  Williamson County Parks and Recreation staff and representatives from the sponsors will be on hand to dedicate the newly marked trail a few minutes prior to the race at 8 a.m.  The new markers were donated by Cast Limestone Products of Texas, Dorsey Construction, Georgetown Running Club, Hill Country Running Company, Luke’s Locker, No Excuses Running, and RunTex. 

The first race was run on April 11, 2009, and its popularity has increased to enjoy over 2,000 finishers in 2011.  The race was renamed in tribute to Vern Cantwell, who was the starter for the race and the runner's best cheerleader.  Vern had a fatal heart attack while cycling with his wife and friends just four days after the first race. 
Vern Vern’s 5K is held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. and is free to students K-12 and $1 for adults.  With the entry fee, participants get the same certified course every month that is timed, with a mid-course water stop, and water and Gatorade after the race.  Results are posted on-line.  The race is “walker & stroller friendly.”  Dogs also are welcome, as long as they keep their owner at the other end of the leash! 

At the end of the year, all proceeds (minus any costs) go to support Berry Springs Park and Preserve.  At the end of 2011, the race raised over $1,900 to help support the park.  For directions or more park information, go to http://parks.wilco.org/.