Running Ft. Sam Houston

Ft. Sam Houston, occupying a considerable piece of San Antonio, Texas real estate, is one of the oldest military bases in the country. The present site went into service around 1876, building on the original 92 acres given the Army by the City of San Antonio. Ft. Sam now occupies around 3000 acres. The facility itself is a mosaic of parade grounds, supply depots, athletic fields and numerous historic buildings. The more than 900 historically significant structures led to the post being declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

It is unfortunate that one of the post 9/11 consequences was the closing of Ft. Sam Houston to the civilian public. When I first came to San Antonio in the mid-70s, it was possible to walk, run or bike through the grounds of the base. The San Antonio Symphony would give an annual outdoor concert there, attended by a mix of military and civilian music lovers. San Antonians loved Ft. Sam and still do. It's an important part of our community.

The fond memories I have of Ft. Sam Houston and my love of running are what bring me to Ft. Sam at least once, sometimes a couple of times per year. John Purnell organizes and directs a collection of triathlons and road races annually, including several 10 mile races which are part of the national series of Army 10 Milers. These competitions are open to military and local athletes alike and afford us civilians a wonderful chance to spend some time running through the historical grounds of Ft. Sam.

Needless to say, 10 miles is a substantial distance. Testament to the size of Ft. Sam Houston is the fact it is possible to lay out a 10 mile race course which is essentially without loops or repetition. In its present configuration, the course turns back into itself in only a couple of places, allowing the mid-pack runners to get at least a glimpse of the faster competitors. However, even this did not allow me to observe the winner of yesterday's 10 miler. I saw him at the starting line, but my pace of 10 minute miles could in no way keep up with his 6 minute pace. Nevertheless, I had good company with the true "soldiers" of San Antonio running, those who run for the love and challenge of the sport, knowing they will never be on the winner's stand at the finish. We run for fitness, we run for the endorphin kick, the so-called runner's high, we run because we want to run tomorrow, next week, next year. We want to still be running marathons when we're 50, 60, 75, even 80 years old. Come join us.