San Antonio’s Running Community Honors Al Becken

News Summary

On December 11th, San Antonio’s McAllister Park was filled with heartfelt memories as the local running community gathered to pay tribute to Al Becken, who passed away at 95. Known for his contributions and passion for running, Becken’s legacy as a founding member of the San Antonio Road Runners Club lives on, as attendees shared stories, laughter, and tears in his memory.

San Antonio’s Running Community Pays Tribute to Al Becken

On a sunny December 11th, the beautiful McAllister Park in San Antonio transformed into a heartwarming gathering place filled with stories, memories, and fond remembrances as the local running community gathered to honor the late Al Becken. This treasured member of the community passed away at the impressive age of 95 on October 10, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate within the hearts of those he touched.

A Founding Father of Running

Al Becken was instrumental in shaping the modern running landscape in San Antonio. A former 22-year veteran of the Air Force, he embraced running in the ’70s after receiving a warning about his health. With the help of his friends, he created the San Antonio Road Runners Club in 1973. This year, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary – quite a milestone that speaks volumes about Becken’s dedication and commitment.

During the memorial, Becken’s son, Wayne, shared heartwarming memories that captured the essence of Al’s life as a runner and a loving father. A touching photo display captured moments from Al’s running journey, including a newspaper clipping highlighting his remarkable 300th marathon in 2007, a testament to his incredible endurance and enthusiasm for the sport.

Stories of Connection

Among those in attendance was Jack Sutcliffe, a longtime member of the running community, who found a moment of reflection to bow his head in remembrance of Al. Friends, family, and fellow runners gathered to share their own experiences and personal anecdotes, shining a light on Al’s incredible goodwill and generosity. He was not just a runner; he was a beacon of positivity, always quick with a joke to lighten the mood marathon runners often found themselves in.

Nick Millinor, who met Al during his high school years at Churchill High School, expressed how Al became his inspiration and a figure to look up to. Becken’s connection to the high school also showed his dedication to nurturing future athletes; he has been a steadfast supporter of the Churchill High School cross country team since the early ’70s, helping to shape the next generation of runners.

A Legacy of Achievement

Al Becken’s running accomplishments speak for themselves. He participated in at least four marathons across all 50 states, and he even held the record for the fastest marathon run in Texas by someone 60 years or older. Such achievements earned him a special place in the hearts of many runners and health enthusiasts alike.

At McAllister Park, Al’s contributions to the park and the running community have been enshrined in the **Al Becken No. 1 Pavilion**. He played a significant role in developing a 10-kilometer trail in the park and was heavily involved with the Friends of McAllister Park organization. It is here that memories are made, and new runners chase their dreams, all thanks to Becken’s dedication.

Cherishing Fond Memories

The atmosphere at the memorial was filled with both laughter and tears as participants remembered Al in their own unique ways. Sharing stories of the simple yet joyous moments they had with him made the occasion heartfelt and genuine. Al was known for bringing smiles to faces during races, his jokes serving as the perfect distraction to the physical challenges of running.

A Lasting Impact

Al Becken is more than just a name in the running community; he is an icon, a goodwill ambassador whose legacy will live on for years to come. His spirit, represented beautifully through tales of endurance, humor, and kindness, reminds us all of the loving and vibrant running community in San Antonio that he helped forge. As attendees said their goodbyes, one thing was clear: Becken’s impact goes far beyond the track. It will certainly be felt for generations to come.