A decade ago, Julie Rydell’s dog got loose. When Rydell went to pick her up from the Taylor Animal Shelter, she was shocked by the overcrowded conditions of the animals. “At the time, it wasn’t great,” recalled Rydell.
“We raised $5,000 to donate to the animal shelter for a cat enclosure,” Rydell added. “And we kind of went from there raising money.”
“I thought we can do better as a community. I got with a couple of friends to see about raising money for the animal shelter.”
Thus, was born the annual Good Life Taylor 5K run, which will begin rain or shine at 8 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 8, at Bull Branch Park in Taylor.
This year’s event, which is celebrating its 10th year, promises about 200 runners of all ages and skill levels, who will be competing for top prizes in the male, female and master categories.
Since the race was launched in 2012, more than $150,000 has been raised for a variety of community projects. In addition to the animal shelter, organizers have donated to Taylor Public Library, Bull Branch Disc Golf Course, Murphy Park and Taylor Regional Park playgrounds. Rydell said this year’s focus will shift to restoring the track at Murphy Field and creating a fitness park near the track with new equipment designed for exercise.
Fees to participate are $30 online through tomorrow, or $35 to register the day of the race. A t-shirt will be provided to all preregistered 5K participants.
The top male and female winners, as well as the top male and top female master winners, will each win $50 cash provided by RTS Connect plus a gift certificate from Fleet Feet Round Rock.
Organizers said the course zips runners through North Taylor with multiple changes in scenery on a flat route. Participants will start and finish in Bull Branch Park but will also get to experience a bit of the area countryside and Taylor living.
“No matter your experience, we encourage all skill levels to participate,” organizers said. “Strollers, teams and costumes are welcome.”
The Kids K is free and will be hosted by Eastern Williamson County Boys & Girls Club, Taylor Campus. Participants ages 4-12 may only run the kids’ course.
For more information, or to register, go to www. goodlifetaylor.com.
