It started out on a beautiful morning at the Mill Pond Park pavilion. Registration began at 8 am and all participants were given T-shirts. Over 160 participants signed up to walk and run. Reeta Wilson led the group in a warm-up routine followed by some instructions and motivation by Tony Guidroz. Sam Crosby addressed the crowd with very emotional and touching words, reminding the participants the reason for being there was to raise funds and awareness to fight cancer. He gave an update on Jessica Estrada who is a student at San Saba Middle School that has been fighting cancer for several years. The national anthem was played by the trumpet duo of Emiliano Zapata and Tanner Hawkins.

The horn sounded and off they went lead by City Police Officer Dwayne Shaw. They were met at the main intersections by the San Saba Fire Department and Ray Riggs of the City Police Department who so graciously assisted them through the intersections. Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore and T Noel Wood provided transportation for the survivors and to anyone that needed assistance along the way.

As they approached the halfway mark the Boy Scouts were there to offer water to everyone. Water and cups were donated by Mike Thomas State Farm. At the finish line the participants were met by the Home School Students and these young men and ladies gave each survivor a rose as they finished the race. The runners and walkers were then served muffins provided by the Live Oak, Bend, Simpson Creek and Wallace Creek Extension Clubs. Music was provided throughout the morning by West Texas TAZ.

A big thank you goes to the businesses that sponsored this event: Commercial National Bank, Everett’s Furniture & Emporium, G & R Grocery, R. B. Bagley & Sons, McKinnerney Real Estate, First Central Credit Union, Diggs Restaurant & Club, Coyote One Stop, Texas Mavricks, Cactus Restaurant, West Texas TAZ, Coronado Stone Wood, Kevin & Margie Keeney and The Little Paper. Thanks to the City of San Saba and Farrell Whitley for their assistance at the park. If you didn’t get to participate and would like to donate, Harry’s has donated a pair of boots to be given away and you can buy a chance for just $1. The boots will be given away at Relay for Life on April 15th. Tickets may be purchased from Marci Moreno or at the Ice House from Janie Jimenez or at Commercial National Bank. All proceeds from this event and the boot drawing will be donated to Relay for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A big thank you to all of the sponsors, helpers and participants for a successful event. "You have the right, to stand up and fight, and to NEVER SURRENDER" Pictures of the event may be viewed at www.dshahanphotos.com.