'80s-themed 5K brings tubular Rio Ranchoans to bosque

ALBUQUERQUE — A large group of neon-clad runners and walkers made other people “eat their shorts” June 21 at the Alameda Bosque Trail for the Rio Retro 5K.

A 1980s-themed 5K for a cause, the event raised funds for the Veterans in Business group of the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jaime Gallardo, director of the group, explained how funds would help.

“One of my six groups in the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce is my Veterans in Business group, and what we do is we raise money for the veteran hometown hero banners that are up on Highway 528,” Gallardo said.

Money is also put toward grants and scholarships that the group provides to veteran-owned businesses that are three years old or younger and have 10 employees or less.

“Because when you open up a new business, there’s a lot of ancillary costs that are involved, and we try to help offset those ancillary costs,” Gallardo said.

The hot, early start to the 5K didn’t deter runners and walkers from having a good time. Several dressed the ’80s part.

“It’s really cool, dressed in their ’80s gear, getting ready. They got the leg warmers and the hair ties and everyone’s in bright colors, getting ready to kick off the walk and run today,” Gallardo said as he observed the bodacious crowd.

In addition to several enthusiastic individuals, Ann Hager, fitness motivator and owner of Running Fearless, was cheering on “Team Fearless” by warming them up, running along side them for the 5K and celebrating strong finishes.

Before, during and after the race, the group danced to ’80s music. One woman got her “Molly Ringwald” on as the tunes blasted behind her. Another man attempted some break-dancing.

This was the first year the group put on the 5K. Some of the other large events that will occur are the bowling tournament, pool tournament and more.