The 38th annual Austin American-Statesman Capitol 10K footrace was held through the streets of Austin, TX under foggy skies and a slight drizzle Sunday morning April 12, 2015. RALPH BARRERA/ AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Statesman Capitol 10K to Benefit The Trail Foundation for Second Consecutive Year

 AUSTIN, Texas—The Trail Foundation (TTF) is pleased to be the 2016 beneficiary for the Statesman Capitol 10,000 (Cap10K) on Sunday, April 10, for the second consecutive year. TTF is the nonprofit organization that works to enhance and protect the Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake—the city’s most used and cherished urban green space.

“We are honored to have been chosen, once again, to be the beneficiary of the Cap10K,” Susan Rankin, executive director of The Trail Foundation, said. “The beloved Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake is the heart of Austin, and its impact can be seen in virtually every aspect of life in and around our city—it plays a critical role in health and wellness, and it enhances the quality of life in Austin, ultimately boosting our economy by helping to attract and retain employees.”

“Cox Media Group, the Statesman’s parent company, believes in creating positive environmental change,” Susie Gray, publisher of the Austin American-Statesman, said.  “The Trail Foundation’s focus on protecting and enhancing the Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake is in line with the Statesman’s support of this corporate initiative and local community efforts.”

The Trail Foundation will receive $1 from every Cap10K registration, which began Oct. 1, 2015. During registration, race participants are also given the opportunity to donate to TTF, and the Statesman will match registrant donations up to $10K

The funds raised during the Cap10K will support TTF’s many Trail improvements, including the Trail Bridge at Congress Avenue—a major upgrade of the Trail under the north end of the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. The new bridge will enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety; make the area ADA-accessible; increase the width of the Trail; greatly improve the visual appeal; provide connectivity with the Waller Creek area; create a beautiful site from which to view the Congress Avenue bats; and lower the city’s maintenance costs. The money raised will also support TTF’s ongoing ecological restoration efforts along the Trail. The primary goals of the Trail-wide ecological restoration and urban forestry work are to improve ecological function; restore and enhance plant communities; enhance resiliency; enhance the Trail user experience; and facilitate stewardship among Trail users.

Over the past year, TTF has completed a number of projects, including installing new exercise equipment at Lakeshore Park and building new restrooms at Heron Creek. TTF was also instrumental in building the world-class Boardwalk that has enhanced the safety, usability and scenic beauty of the Butler Trail.

In its 39th year, the Cap10K is the largest 10K race in Texas and one of the Top 10 in the nation. The Cap10K began in 1978 with 3,400 participants. In 2015, the race had more than 18,000 registered participants.

TTF will be giving away native Texas wildflower seed packets to Cap10K participants, as well as non-alcoholic margarita popsicles during the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, while supplies last.

For more information about the race on April 10, including information on how to register, visit Cap10K.com.

For more information about TTF, or to find out how you can get involved, visit TheTrailFoundation.org.

The Trail Foundation

The Trail Foundation’s mission is to protect and enhance the Trail at Lady Bird Lake. Since its formation in 2003 as a 501(c)(3), the foundation has fulfilled its mission through careful improvements to the Trail’s infrastructure and environment, while honoring the original vision of the Trail’s founders. In a distinctively collaborative effort, the foundation works in cooperation with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department to close the gap between what the government provides and what the Trail deserves.

For media inquires, please contact pr@thetrailfoundation.org.