Two years ago, Candie Garcia was a self-described "couch potato."

On a whim, the Arlington woman started jogging with a friend and soon began to follow the popular Couch to 5K Running Program.

On Sunday, Garcia completed the inaugural "Arlington Mayor's 5K Race: Run The American Dream City," which was part of the Lone Star Race Series presented by Ability Connection Texas.

"I love running," said Garcia, not long after crossing the finish line at Levitt Pavilion. "It's a stress relief for me, and I definitely feel better when I'm exercising."

Garcia was joined by hundreds of other runners, joggers and walkers who weaved through the streets of downtown Arlington and the University of Texas at Arlington, pushing strollers and walking dogs, chatting with friends and enjoying the sun-filled morning.

In addition to the 5K, the Lone Star Race also included a 10K and half-marathon.

All proceeds from the "Arlington Mayor's 5K" helped Ability Connection Texas provide exemplary service to children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. According to the agency, one in five people will experience a disability in their lifetime.

Addie Monson, of Flower Mound, joined the 5K to help raise money for a friend's 5-year-old son, Jake, who has autism. Monson and others wore bright green shirts that read, "Jake's Journey." Walking briskly, Monson said the Arlington race was an ideal way to spend a Sunday morning.

"We get a good workout first thing in the morning," Monson said. "We're catching up with friends while we walk, and we're raising money for a great cause."

After the race, friends Marva Allen, of San Antonio, and Debra Pearson, of Weatherford, drank water and snacked on bananas as they listened to live music. Pearson said she loved running through downtown and the university.

"It's beautiful," she said. "The scenery made for a great run."

Dawn Oyedipe, who lives in The Colony, completed her first ever 10K on Sunday, a major fitness goal. About a year ago, Oyedipe's doctor told her she needed to reduce her blood sugar.

"So here I am," Oyedipe said. "It feels good."