Bunnies “hop” down Bandera for 5K

More than 40 participants, many sporting white bunny ears and with dogs in tow. took part in the first ever Bunny Run/Walk for the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic last Saturday, April 15.

A jubilant Clinic Executive Director, Chuck Lutke, added “We are thrilled that the inaugural Bunny Run/Walk came off so well and we are already making plans for 2024. Today, we saw participants of every age giving their best for the Clinic. Of course, generous sponsors and volunteers make any racing event a success and that is the case today. Our great thanks go to them all!”

Starting at the clinic on 12th Street before working its way through town and back to the clinic, the event drew citizens from all over the county.

The cool misty morning was a perfect setting for runners and walkers alike. The course wound through the city back streets with a long stretch on Main Street.

At the conclusion of the race, County Commissioner Jody Rutherford, who watched his wife Carolyn compete in the event, praised the Clinic for starting the tradition.

“I want everybody here to appreciate and understand what the Nagel Clinic does for our community – and especially for how they stepped up during COVID with mental health support,” said Rutherford. “We look forward to being right back here next year.”

The runners left in high spirits and bunny ears to complete the course in about one hour. The run drew dedicated runners, as well as novices and families. The runners finished at the clinic and received a commemorative t-shirt and goody bag.

The team from the Bandera Library drew accolades as Brittany Esparza placed first overall and Mauri Fagan came in third.

Esparza, a long-time runner, said “I ran all through high school and college. We wanted to support the Clinic in this event.”

Esparza came in at 28.54 minutes to place first, just under the 30-minute mark.

Fagan came in at 37.44 minutes to place third overall.

“It was fun to run through Bandera and it was always a great time to support the Arthur Nagel Clinic,” stated Fagan.

Proceeds for the event went directly to the clinic.

“Not only is the 5K Bunny Run/Walk a great way for families and friends to have fun together on a cool spring morning,” said Clinical Director, Susan Broa, who planned and produced the race. “But it’s also an event that you can feel good about being a part of as 100% of all proceeds go directly to the health care mission of the Nagel Clinic.”