The second annual Mural 5k Run/walk will take place on Saturday May 8th, with registration starting at 7:30 AM and the 5K starting at 8:30 AM. We are currently seeking volunteer committee members to help organize and plan the 2004 Mural 5K Run/Walk. To become involved with the planning and organizing of this year1s 5K or to get information regarding sponsorship or participation, contact us at consafos@sananto.org / 226-7466, or visit this site for updates.

History

Over 6 years ago, San Anto Cultural Arts was a budding Westside non-profit that had just received our 501-c3 and corporation status from the IRS and state of Texas, respectfully. At that point in our history, we had existed as a project of Inner City Development, having completed several murals here and there and many issues of our community newspaper, El Placazo. We were poised to cover the landscape of the Westisde with as much culture and as many murals and with as much paint as we possibly could.

Dr. Bob Brischetto, a local activist and former friend and colleague of the late Willie Velasquez, had been supporting our efforts as Inner City Cultural Arts for a coupla1 years as well. Dr. Brischetto was instrumental in helping us land our first major seed grants through SBC and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Dr. Brichetto had also been a along-time runner and, once we landed our non-profit status, suggested that we organize some sort of run or marathon in the neighborhood - "When San Anto finishes enough murals, one day ya1ll could organize some sort of marathon routed along the murals."

Well, last year, we did just that. On November 8th, 2003, San Anto held the 1st Annual Corazon y Familia Mural 5K Run / Walk. The Mural 5K was a great success and could not have happened without the tremendous efforts of the core volunteer committee members - Mono Aguilar, Carlos Gonzalez, Elisa Gonzales, Laurie Ramirez, Edward Schlesinger, and Steve Peralta - who gave of their time, energy and talents to ensure that our dream of creating a 5K, that utilizes murals and public art to bring to light the serious issue of public health on the Westside, come to reality.

Exercise and healthy eating are easy and affordable methods of controlling diabetes, heart disease and mental stress. The Corazon y Familia Mural 5K Run/Walk is a fun and creative way to start on the path that leads to a healthy heart, family, and community.

The Corazon y Familia Mural 5k Run/Walk melds health and art, inner city and suburb, in a celebration of salud (health) and understanding of culture. As runners make their way through the barrio, they take in the beauty and knowledge of its murals. Walkers following behind them experience the warm welcome of the residents and businesses along the route. Beginning and ending at Plaza Avenida Guadalupe, the Mural 5K culminates with health screenings and information exchange, all to the beat of music and the pulsation of life on the Westside.

Thanks to the following sponsors, individuals and organizations who made the 2003 Corazon y Familia Mural 5K a success -H.E.B., C.P.S., San Antonio Making Connection, Isaac Cardenas, Cardee Garcia Gerardo Garcia, Maricela Olguin, Patti Radle, Mary Rodriguez, Andi Garcia, Gabriel Velasquez / Blue Box DJ, Nora X. Herrera, Guillermo Ponce, James Martinez, Whole Foods, Oak Farms, Chicho Boys, Southwest Workers Union, Inner City Development, San Antonio Water Systems, Delta Produce, Sheriff1s Department Support Unit, City Year.