Elizabeth Rosenblum and Megan Cullip, two avid runners and believers in holistic health, approached SAMMinistries in early 2009 about launching a health and fitness program for guests at the Emergency Shelter on Commerce called Street 2 Feet. So, for over the last 2 years, the volunteer-based running and training program for the homeless has met every Wednesday and Saturday mornings under the leadership of Rosenblum and Cullip. The conservative training schedule includes stretching, education in nutrition and hydration, walking and running. To date, the total number of participants has ranged from 10 – 25, but over 50 different individuals have been involved over the last year. Rosenblum and Cullip took the SAMMinistries fitness program to new heights. The duo planned the Street 2 Feet 5K Run/Walk and Kidz 400 meters in 2010. Their goal was to increase awareness about the homeless population in San Antonio and raised funds for SAMMinistries. Through the training and guidance received from their mentors, Street 2 Feet runners from the SAMMinistries program residents also participated in the race. ”This was a family-friendly event that brought everyone together to help those in great need by supporting the work done by this organization,” said Cullip. According to Jose Iniguez, the race director, this event was a big hit with all runners since it was so affordable, not to mention the fact that very few races have a course that winds through downtown. “Only the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon are held downtown, plus they are much more expensive,” he said. The course began on Buena Vista and Frio, moved east along Dolorosa (which turns into Market), turning north on Alamo Street to Third Street, then west on Martin to Frio Street, and then finally north on Frio with the finish line at the new Haven for Hope campus. On Feb. 20th 2010, we were very blessed to have 543 run/walkers attend this special event. Jessie Sturgeon placed first for the men’s category with a time of 18:27.6 and the top female was Shay Phillips with a time of 19.45.5. Without the support of the community of San Antonio we would not have had the opportunity to have the successful outcomes we did. Special thanks to UTSA for providing volunteers and access to parking for the race participants. We send our sincere appreciation to over 85 volunteers from various entities logging over 1189 hours of service. We had over 30 sponsors which included both monetary and in-kind donors. Top sponsors were Flasher, Tesoro, Argonaut and HEB. Music talent inspired our runners along the route. Our kind SAPD officers kept us all safe. And let us not forget the mascots of Waste Management and H-E-B buddies uniting together to support our participants and communicating the importance of recycling and healthy eating. Special thanks to our emcee Delaine Mathieu for volunteering her services to make our race announcements. We invite collaborative partners to join us in the 5 run/walk family event to occurer on Feb 19, 2011!