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Luchador Run Aids YMCA Campers

Posted: Mar 8th 2011 By: CMBurnham

Luchadors, those masked Mexican wrestlers who have become so popular since Elote Caf? introduced them last May, will take part with other runners in the inaugural Elote Luchador Run set March 26. Elote Caf? owner and chef Libby Auld said the run is partnering with the downtown YMCA and Runner's World for the event, which will benefit the YMCA Kids to Camp scholarship program.

The YMCA believes that each child who wants a summer camp experience should have one, regardless of the family's financial means to provide it. Each year, the Westside Y and Camp Takatoka give thousands of children a safe, fun and often life-changing experience. The proceeds from the run will help send more Tulsa-area kids to camp.

The 5k run will start at the downtown YMCA (420 S. Main St.) and finish at Elote Caf?, which is located at Fifth Street and Boston Avenue. The 5k will begin at 6:45 p.m.

There is also a family fun run which will begin at 6 p.m.

The course will run through several downtown landmarks, including the Blue Dome District, ONEOK Field, Center of the Universe and Centennial Park.

For those looking for something a bit different, parts of the course will feature a series of fun "urban obstacles."

"We wanted to have another event to capitalize on downtown's new energy," says Auld. "We have been talking to the downtown YMCA for a while trying to think of a joint promotion, and the Luchador Run was a natural fit. We both promote healthy lifestyles and we both are located downtown.

"Since we introduced Mexican wrestling last May, the luchadors have a huge following.

"People love them, and we thought it would make the run a lot more fun to have luchadors running with the crowd," she added. "And if you wear a luchador mask, you can get a discounted entry fee."

The luchadors will have a five-minute head start, and the 5k runners will try to catch the luchadors. There will also be luchador matches after the run.

The event is family friendly and will have activities for both children and adults including live music, face painting and an outdoor taco and cerveza bar.

The festivities will take place in front of Elote Caf?.

Registration for the run is $30. If you wear a luchador mask, the entry is $25. Elote Luchador Run T-shirts will be available for the first 350 people that sign up. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Contact libby@elotetulsa.com for more information on sponsorship packages. To register for the run visit tulsaworld.com/runnersworld.