Light breeze keeps flags waving during July 4 Flag Run

Jose Flores strained for the finish line, wearing his Boerne 5K Flag Run T-shirt and carrying a large flag on a wooden pole.

“This is the first time I’ve come out here,” Flores said after completing the 5K in 40:44 with the flag waving at his side. “My arms are going to feel it in the morning. I can feel it already, it’ll probably be worse tomorrow.”

Flores was one of about 350 runners taking part in the fifth annual 5K Flag Run, started 2019 by Camden Vicknair and since directed by his father, Toby Vicknair, a Boerne Fire Department lieutenant and paramedic.

“He (Camden) started it. But this year he’s actually running in it,” the elder Vicknair said. “He told me he wanted to pull away from doing it because he’s in college now. Buit it’s been a really good experience for him.”

Vicknair said all proceeds from the race go to the Boerne Fire Department. 

The top three finishers in each age category receive watermelons, a Flag Run tradition that goes well with the typical July Fourth family outings and picnics.

Flores said running with a full-sized flag — something he’d never done before — presents it challenges.

“Running through the neighborhoods with the shade and the trees, it was a real scenic view,” Flores said. “But I had to pay attention to where the flag was waving. It poked me in the head a couple of times.”

Arlene Brazell joined Brittany Burton and Richard Burton on the run. Richard Burton, a firefighter in northwest San Antonio for more than 20 years, said he decided to complete the run with the fire department flag.

“It’s just something I wanted to do, to represent my brothers,” Burton said.

The best time of the day was turned in by Jackson White, 21, of Boerne, with a time of 16:00. Next best times belong to Devin Duran of Boerne, in 16:33; and Shea Johnson of Center Point, with a 16:42.

The race’s oldest entrant, 88-year-old Richard Tomlinson, finished the race with 1:04:13, finishing stride for stride with good friend Donna Nichols.

Flag run sponsors included Crestwell Financial, Boerne AC, city of Boerne, Guaranty Title, First Texas Credit Union, The Kendall Inn, Senergy and EDragon Pro.