Community
On May 30, more than 2,900 Astros fans and running enthusiasts took to the starting line and participated in the 7th Annual Astros In Action Foundation Race for the Pennant tallying the race's largest turnout since its first run in 2003. With the help of presenting sponsors The Methodist Hospital and the JLH Foundation, and in partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors and the Chevron Houston Marathon, over $100,000 was raised to benefit the Astros in Action Foundation.
This year's Race for the Pennant course featured a new route that sent runners on a scenic route of downtown. Beginning at Minute Maid Park on Crawford Street, the route headed towards the Elysian Viaduct, traveled back through downtown Houston, and finished inside the ballpark.
Overall Masters Male and Female Winners were Sean Wade (15:11.6) and Caroline Burum (19:43.1) and the Overall Open Male and Female Winners were Sesar Figueroa (14:53.3) and Lauren Smith (17:46.3). Top finishers in each category received special prizes while all registered participants received an official race T-shirt, a ticket voucher for two free tickets to a 2009 Astros home game and an invitation to the post-race party inside Minute Maid Park
In addition to presenting sponsor The Methodist Hospital and the JLH Foundation, the Astros In Action Foundation received Race for the Pennant sponsorship assistance from community partners: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Chevron Houston Marathon, ARAMARK, Buffalo Specialties, Inc., Minute Maid, Coca-Cola, Continental Airlines, Michelob Ultra, FS Houston, Newsradio 740 AM KTRH, Precision Graphics Centers, HEB, Kolache Factory, Mliepins Graphics Company, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Last Train Out, and Hilton Americas Houston.
