Tomorrow, Austin running emporium RunTex will have its assets auctioned off.
It’s the end of the road for the local store, which once counted five locations. After RunTex was evicted from its location at Riverside Drive and South First Street, county tax assessor Bruce Elfant revealed the company owed over $17,000 in back taxes.
An auction is set for the former Riverside store tomorrow at 11 a.m.
You’ll find more than running shoes at the auction: RunTex founder Paul Carrozza was named to George W. Bush’s President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and Carrozza’s been a running buddy of Austin mayors including Will Wynn. Those connections color some of the items up for auction. Here’s a look at some of the more noteworthy items up for auction:
Lot 72: George Bush running shoes
Yup – You can bid on a pair of Pres. George W. Bush’s Mizuno running shoes – plus what looks like a note of thanks to Carrozza.
Lot 46: Rick Perry race memorabilia
Doing the Bush lot one better, this collectors’ item includes shoes, hat and runners’ numbers from Gov. Rick Perry, plus a photo and note.
Lot 63: Lance Armstrong U.S. Postal Service Jersey
“To Paul – Thanks for all your support.” So reads the inscription on this yellow Armstrong jersey mounted behind glass.
Lot 71: Statue
This wiry guy once graced the RunTex premises. He can be yours if the price is right.
Various lots: Coolers
Here’s some Austin history: the ubiquitous orange coolers RunTex has used to provide free water to Hike & Bike Trail joggers. Carrozza told KUT News in April that “We expect to continue to serve the trail with ice water in hot months … We want to continue to do what we do.”
