In September, San Antonio will hold the 7th Annual World Heritage Festival to celebrate the historic importance of the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be a press conference and festival preview on August 24th at the Alamo, and the festival itself will take place at several of the missions between September 7th and September 11th.

America’s Walking Club (AVA), with headquarters located on S. Alamo St. in King William, is participating in one of the events — the Tour de los Misiones Bike Ride, Walk and Run. This is a noncompetitive event being held on September 10th. The routes vary depending on what activity you choose (walking, running, or cycling) and on what distance you choose (for example, the walking event offers both a 5K and a 10K route). Every event, however, takes you to at least two of the missions, and one of the cycling events takes you to all five missions. The AVA together with the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and a few other organizations is presenting the walking portion of the event.

Pre-registration is happening now. If the event sells out (which happened last year) no same-day registration will be available. If you are interested in participating, secure a spot and register now! The fee for the walking options is $40. The fees for the running and cycling options range from $45 to $55. If you register by August 24th, you’re guaranteed to receive a packet that includes a commemorative bib, a passport, a t-shirt, food and drink tickets, and a few coupons or other goodies. The packets can be picked up at the Mission Branch Library on September 8th and 9th, or at the event.

As participants finish, they will receive a medal, and immediately following the Tour de los Misiones, there will be a celebration with live music, food, and drinks. There will be local artisans, community organizations, food vendors, and DJs spinning music. America’s Walking Club will be present, so stop by its table and learn more about the organization and about the big walking event — the Olympiad — that’s happening in San Antonio next year.