Bette L. Hall’s Running Journal

Cinco de Mayo actually means the fifth of May. However, the Cinco de Mayo 5K Run was held Friday evening at 7pm, May 4th.

Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican descent much like St. Patrick’s Day for the Irish and Oktoberfest for the Germans.

It’s a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride and commemorates an initial victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Many cities in the West and Southwest of the US celebrate with fiestas, parades, dances, parties, mariachi music, and great south-of-the-border food.

The Cinco de Mayo 5K Run was truly a festive affair complete with Mexican food and drink–chips and salsa, Tecate beer, and two flavors of Margaritas. Music was also provided.

As far as the race goes, it was held at Veteran’s Park downtown Tulsa. The weather was very humid and it felt hot while trying to take the hills on this hilly course. The temperature was 76 degrees with 70% humidity, 25 mile per hour wind gusts, cloudy skies and expectations of rain.