Lace up your running shoes and get ready for The Exygon and Baptist Hospitals Gusher Marathon and Kinsel Ford 5K.
2,000 runners and walkers will crowd the streets of downtown Beaumont for Saturday's race.
Two Southeast Texans, Richard and Amie James, started this race four years ago. Every year, it's grown bigger and bigger.
This year, runners from 25 states and countries as far away as Canada and England will come to Beaumont to do what's called "Rush the Gush."
But, before they do, it takes a lot of planning and preparation to put on this event.
On Sunday, volunteers spray painted bright neon markers on downtown Beaumont streets. These markers will guide runners during Saturday's race.
"We used close to 100 cans of spray paint on the road," says Richard James, Gusher Marathon Director.
On Wednesday, two cyclists were on MLK learning the routes. Julie Scott and Melanie Jones will cycle the streets leading runners along the path.
"Since I can't run anymore because of medical conditions and back surgeries, I like to ride and this is a way to help out," says Scott.
Jones says, "I'm looking forward to seeing all of the people that are involved. I have lots of personal friends who are running in it and I'll enjoy seeing them and Beaumont coming together."
It takes a team to perfectly plan the path. Beaumont police have met multiple times to gear up for the Gusher.
"We will have some roads barricaded. There will be some detours and it's just gonna be for one day and it's a great event for our area," says Officer Carol Riley with the Beaumont Police Department.
It takes a full year to arrange the activities for the one-day event and the clock is ticking with more work to be done.
"We are continuing to set up everything from mile markers to the vender area at the Montagne Center. On Friday, we'll stay up all night setting up the course, closing down roads and preparing for runners," says James.
On Friday, volunteers will be on the 14th floor of Edison Plaza for runners to pick up their packets. They will be there until 9 pm Friday night. That's also the last day to sign up for the marathon.
If you can't get there on Friday, you can pick up your packet Saturday at the Montagne Center.
The Beaumont Convention and Visitor's Bureau says in the last two years, the Gusher Marathon has brought in $500,000 to our local economy. Many of the people who travel to Beaumont for the Gusher Marathon do so because it is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
