The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and Morgan’s Wonderland have signed on to support a new addition to the2017 edition of the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest – the H-E-Buddy Ultra-Accessible Run, Walk & Roll 1K set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Alamodome.

The H-E-Buddy event, originally limited to individuals from 2 to 14 years old, has been redesigned in 2017 to also include adults with special needs.  It’s the kickoff event for the Fifth Anniversary of the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest weekend, which also includes a Fitness, Health & Wellness Expo, plus several other running/walking events of longer distances through Sunday, April 2, all taking place at the Alamodome.

“We’re urging all those with special needs age 2 and older to sign up for this inaugural recreational and fitness event,” said Gordon Hartman, CEO of The Foundation.  “It’s designed to provide a safe and secure experience for participants with physical and cognitive challenges.  No doubt it will be a thrill for them to take part in the 1K, a distance of slightly more than a half mile, and finish inside the impressive Alamodome, site of so many memorable athletic performances.”

Individuals with special needs can take part in the H-E-Buddy Ultra-Accessible Run, Walk & Roll 1K for free, but they need to be accompanied by a parent, chaperone or guardian who can register as a “buddy runner” for $25.  An event shirt and finisher medal will be awarded to the person registered as the “runner.”  The ultra-accessible event will be limited to the first 750 individuals to register online.
For registration, additional details and frequently-asked questions, visit www.alamohalf.com/HEBuddy-Run-Walk-Roll-Registration.html, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/alamocityrunfest.

“We’ve already witnessed through our STRAPS (South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports) program at Morgan’s Wonderland what a lift athletic activities can give special-needs individuals,” Hartman said.  “That’s why we think adding the Ultra-Accessible 1K to the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest is such a great idea.”

For more information about unique Morgan’s Wonderland theme park or STRAPS, visit www.MorgansWonderland.com and www.STRAPSsports.com, respectively.