Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead
The Free Spirits Track Club Inc. was originally formed in 1968 as the San Antonio Marathon Association (SAMA) by Jesse Martinez and his Edison High School cross country team.
In the 70′s we became the Free Spirits and today we are recognized by the State of Texas as the Free Spirits Track Club Inc. We are a 501c3 Public Charity.
It was established to raise funds for scholarships for cancer survivors (and other diseases and child abuse), to recognize our American Heroes and to promote track & field meets, running and athletic events in the San Antonio area.
We started the first three marathons in S.A. The Richard Lozano Marathon, the first in 1972. Richard was a Burbank High School graduate who died in a traffic accident coming home from Pan American University for his birthday.
We also sponsored the SAMA Distance Relays, and the Free Spirits Track Festival.
Arthur Rodriguez and Jesse Martinez have run the Free Spirits Track Festival continuously since the early 70’s. Volunteers such as Marvin King, John Head, Rosalyn and John Smith, Stefan Blomqvist, Don and Donnie Austin, and Howard Zing keep the track meets available each year for people of all ages. In most years, thanks to the school’s generosity, it is run at Antonian College Prep on 6 Mondays in Jun and Jul .
See FreeSpiritsTrack.org for track meet information.