Billed as “the fun run for people who aren’t runners,” Westchase on the Run marks the first time Westchase District has hosted a special event on its newly completed trail system. The run/walk, which was sponsored by Portico at West8 and PS Lightwave, took place on Veteran’s Day and attracted more than 200 paid participants.
“We think the addition of the trails are part of what help make Westchase the premier area in which to live,” said Daniel Calderon, property manager at Portico at West8. “We want our residents to be a part of the community so we felt this event was perfect for us.”
For a $5.00 entry fee, individuals selected from one of seven Westchase District-area schools to which the District will contribute $15.00. “We thought it would be great to benefit our local students at the same time we introduce people to our trails,” said Sherry Fox, Westchase District’s vice president of communications. “Tripling your money to the school of your choice seemed like a good incentive.” Participants also could choose between a three-mile run and a two-mile walk. “It wasn’t designed to be a race,” Fox said. “Whether you were running, walking or even strolling we simply wanted people to discover and enjoy our beautiful trails. We didn’t care who finished first.”
However, prizes were awarded for the most patriotically-dressed participants. Nearly two dozen residents from Madison Park Apartments, located in the District at 9801 Meadowglen, showed up decked out in their finest red, white and blue. “Everyone had a blast,” said Melissa Alfred, regional supervisor with Investors’ Property Services, the company that owns Madison Park. Alfred had special t-shirts printed for the event and some children wore red and blue hairspray. “Several of our residents are parents who are very involved with their children at Sneed and O’Donnell elementary schools and I wanted them to get out and discover the trail,” she said. “We can’t wait for the next one!”
You don’t hav
e to wait until another District-hosted event to get out and enjoy nearly four miles of off-street hike and bike trails in Westchase District. Here’s a map of the entire trail system.
