Cap 10K race a running success

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austinites followed the motto “Get Your Feet on the Street” this Saturday at the 33rd annual Statesman Capitol 10K. Over 20,000 people showed up to the race to walk, jog and run for charity. The event benefited non-profit agencies across Texas, specifically Meals on Wheels and More.

Professional triathlete Desiree Ficker captured first place in the women’s division, while 2010 Austin Marathon champ, Keith Pierce, captured first in the men's.

“I was wishing I could slow down and pour some water over my head. But, of course there's no time for that,” Ficker said.

The cross country star pulled ahead at the end, finishing at 35:36, just two seconds ahead of Allison Macsas of Team Rogue.

“I knew she was right there, so I was pushing it the whole way,” Ficker said.

Ficker said she’s been an avid runner since childhood. By the age of nine the she was traveling across the US to compete in the track and field Junior Olympics. The runner lives for races like these with her friends because “it's a big community event.”

Outside of marathons and 10K’s, Ficker competes in the Hawaiin Ironman. She qualified for the 2nd age group in 1999-2000, but says her real love is for the Austin turf.

“I love this town," said Ficker. "I love getting up and racing in the streets that I walk and drive and train on. It’s beautiful."

While this was one of Ficker’s many 10K’s, it was a different story for Men’s Champion Pierce.

“That's really the first real 10k road race that I've run, so yeah, that's a big PR,” Pierce said.

The track star pulled ahead at the end with a time of 30:33. Competitor Michael Stanley finished close behind with 31:07.

“I didn't want him to be around there at the end because I know he has a great kick,” Pierce said. “I tried to pull away at about 4.5 and put a little distance on him.”

The Statesman Capitol 10,000 is the largest in Texas and the fifth largest in the nation. Sponsors and participants’ main goal is to raise over $200,000 for race beneficiaries. Back in 2009, Meals on Wheels received a check of more than $145,000.