5000 Reasons to Run on a Thursday

By Nick Olivier, Communications Intern

Ricky Cox is a legend in the Fort Worth running community. His summer 5K series has become a Fort Worth institution in its 26 years of existence. For 12 Thursday nights ever summer, the Trinity 5000 attracts more than 100 runners of all ages and origins. The race starts at 7:30pm and begins at the Haws Athletic Center. The 3.1 mile run occurs along the Trinity River with downtown Fort Worth serving as the backdrop. Every other Thursday, Trinity River Vision hosts the Rockin’ the River tube float and concert series, adding to the already festive atmosphere.

Last Thursday (June 9), I participated in the second 5K of the summer. Having only run two 5K’s before and recently returning from vacation in New Orleans, I wouldn’t describe myself as being in top physical condition. My lack of competitive running experience made me think I could bring my small backpack with me on the run, which was a bad idea. My worries soon subsided and were replaced with exertion. The race is not overly competitive but it does attract some talented runners. I finished in the longest 33 minutes of my life. Seven minutes later, an 80-year-old man crossed the finish line.

The Cox family ensures that the race is fun and welcoming to all types of runners. A dozen or so family members organize and work at each week’s Trinity 5000. Cox Racing Services is the family business that organizes races in the Tarrant County area. Ricky, 51, is a three-time winner of the Cowtown Marathon. He’s run in the Boston Marathon, performing well enough to qualify for the 1984 Olympic Trials. He had three children and 10 grandchildren that all run or play football. When he’s not running five miles a day, Ricky is a paratransit supervisor for the T, Fort Worth’s Transit Authority.

Ricky hopes the Trinity 5000 serves multiple purposes. He aims to provide a venue for young competitive runners to train. He also wants it to be a social event. Each Thursday kicks off with a kids 1K race. Of the 135 runners taking part in last week’s 5K, many of them knew each other. Almost everyone knows Ricky and many have been running the summer series for years.

You can join them this Thursday. No prior registration necessary. For more information, click HERE.

Click HERE to see more photos of the Trinity 5000 as well as the Rockin’ the River tube float.

Click HERE to see more videos of the event, including the starting line for both the 5K and Kids 1K.

Have you run the Trinity 5000? Do you plan to take part some time this summer? Or do you prefer to watch from the comfort of your tube? What’s your favorite stretch of the Trinity Trails to run on?