2018 Statesman Capitol 10K to feature Leo Manzano, Austin Parks Foundation and finishers’ medals
Austin, TX (Sept. 14, 2017) The Statesman Capitol 10,000, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, has announced that race ambassador Leo Manzano and Austin Parks Foundation, beneficiary of the Cap10K, will return for the 41st race on April 8, 2018. Additionally, for the first time in the race’s history, medals will be given to all participants who finish the 2018 Cap10K.
“Both Olympian Leo Manzano and Austin Parks Foundation were an inspirational part of our milestone moment last year,” said Jeff Simecek, Cap10K race director. “I’m pleased that they’ll be returning for the 41st race, which will be the first year in the race’s history that all finishers will receive a commemorative medal.”
About Leo Manzano – Race Ambassador
Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Manzano and his family immigrated to the United States when he was four years old, settling in Granite Shoals, Texas. While in middle school, Leo discovered his distance running talent and went on to become a nine-time Texas High School 4A schoolboy champion. Manzano was also a five-time NCAA champion and nine-time All-American at the University of Texas — breaking the 4-minute barrier during his freshman year. Manzano first entered the USA Outdoor Championship in 2006, coming away with a third-place finish. However, Manzano’s famous finishing kick was on full display at the London Olympic Games in 2012, where he won the silver medal. This was the first medal for the USA in the marquee 1,500 meters since the great Jim Ryun won silver in 1968. Along with his talents, Manzano also serves as a spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health anti-tobacco campaign.
“I’m thrilled to return as the race ambassador for the third year in a row. Year after year, the Cap10K means so much to so many of us,” said Manzano. “I invite those who joined us in 2017 to come out again in 2018 and claim your finisher’s medal! If you’ve never participated in the largest 10K in Texas before, come see for yourself why this is a beloved annual tradition in Austin.”
About APF – Beneficiary of the Cap10K
Austin Parks Foundation’s mission is to connect people and parks. This is done through resources and partnerships that develop and improve parks in and around Austin. From volunteer workdays and park activation programming to large capital improvement projects, APF has been at the center of promoting park development, maintenance, accessibility and improvements in Austin and Travis County.
“What an honor to be back as the race beneficiary of the Cap10K,” said Colin Wallis, CEO of Austin Parks Foundation. “Austin parks are fundamental to the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in our city, providing a variety of resources and recreation for tens of thousands of Austinites every day. In 2017, we received more than $40,000 from the Cap10K. Such financial support will ensure our growing city has safe, beautiful and high-quality green spaces today and for generations to come.”
The 2018 race will take place on Sunday, April 8. As beneficiary of the Cap10K, one dollar from each registration will go to Austin Parks Foundation. The Statesman will donate up to $10,000 in additional participant donations. 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 2017, the race had 21,390 registered participants. Additional race information is available at cap10K.com.