Participants say the annual relay is about pushing personal goals, teamwork and encouraging others before Saturday’s race.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Runners across the Coastal Bend are preparing for this weekend’s Beach to Bay Relay Marathon as teams and first-time participants get ready to hit the course in Corpus Christi.
For some runners, the race is about more than competition. It is also about personal growth and setting an example for family members.
Celeste Ruiz said this year will be her first half relay race as part of the “Blessed Believers” team. “I’m very excited. This is my first half,” Ruiz said. “I’m kind of nervous but more excited.”
Ruiz said she decided to participate to challenge herself and inspire her children. “I’m doing this for myself and to show my kids that they can do hard things,” she said. “My son is a runner, he’s 6, so he’s excited for me.”
Her goal for race day is simple. “My goal is just to finish,” Ruiz said. “Once you get out there, everyone’s hyping you up and the energy is good.”
Other teams are also preparing for the relay, including the “Blackbeards Rum Runners.” Team captain Ariel Alaniz said members have spent weeks getting ready for the event.
“We’re all excited. We’re all ready to go,” Alaniz said. “We’ve been working hard for this.”
Alaniz said the biggest goal for the team is making sure runners stay healthy and enjoy the experience.
“I absolutely hope everybody’s injury free, everybody has fun and everybody tries their best,” Alaniz said. “Most of all, everybody shows up for themselves, and that’s what counts.”
The annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon draws thousands of runners and spectators to the Coastal Bend each year.