Thousands gathered bright and early in downtown Houston Saturday morning, March 4, to participate in the 30th annual Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips. Spectators filled the streets to cheer on runners and welcome trail riders in the Downtown Rodeo Parade, officially starting the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The 2017 Rodeo Run had more than 9,500 participants in the wheelchair race, 10K race and 5K fun run/walk. Entry fees benefit the Show’s Educational Fund, which provides scholarships and other educational opportunities to deserving students across the Lone Star State.
Rodeo Run winners:
- 10K Overall Male – Kevin Castille
- 10K Overall Female – Mary Davies
- 10K Masters Male – Stuart Fraser
- 10K Masters Female – Allyson Serrao
- Wheelchair – Juan Rios
- 5K Overall Male – Chandler Rathke
- 5K Overall Female – Kim Lowry
- 5K Masters Male – Alan McClain
- 5K Masters Female – Gita Kulkarni
Following the Rodeo Run, the Downtown Rodeo Parade began at 10 a.m., and was led by grand marshal, Major Applewhite, University of Houston head football coach. Spectators gathered to watch the celebration of agriculture, education, entertainment and Western heritage with beautifully decorated floats, rustic wagons and much more. The parade began at Bagby and Walker streets and concluded at Lamar and Bagby streets.
2017 Downtown Rodeo Parade winners: Float Awards
- Sweepstakes – La Campera Tortilla Company
- Theme – La Michoacana Meat Market
- Originality – Supermercado Teloloapan
- Most Beautiful – El Ahorro Supermarkets
- Chairman’s Award – International Committee
- President’s Award – Fiesta Mart
TRAIL RIDES AT MEMORIAL PARK
Trail riders from across Texas arrived in Memorial Park Friday, March 3, just in time to participate in the Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, March 4. The 13 trail routes covered a combined total of 1,750 miles.
The participating trail rides were Los Vaqueros Rio Grande, Mission, Northeastern, Old Spanish, Prairie View, Salt Grass, Sam Houston, Southwest, Southwestern, The Spanish, Texas Cattlemen’s, Texas Independence and Valley Lodge.
Each trail ride was judged on appearance, authenticity and overall Western spirit.
2017 Trail Ride winners:
- Safety Award – Texas Independence Trail Ride
- Spirit Award – Salt Grass Trail Ride
- Spirit Award – Texas Cattlemen’s Trail ride
- Division I Award (145-plus participants) – Texas Independence Trail Ride
- Division II Award (50 – 144 participants) – Prairie View Trail Ride
- Division III Award (49 or fewer participants) – Mission Trail Ride
An event that started in 1952 with four committed men traveling by trail from Brenham, Texas, to Houston to gather people for the Houston Fat Stock Show, has grown to more than 3,000 trail riders participating in the annual 65-year-long tradition.
The longest trail ride is the Los Vaqueros Rio Grande Trail Ride. At 353 miles, riders are required to saddle up on Feb. 10. The two shortest trail rides, Texas Cattlemen’s and Sam Houston, set out for the 70-mile journey to Memorial Park on Feb. 25 and 27, respectively.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled for March 7–26.