When it comes to education, some people like to take a stand.
In Benicia, they go for a run—in the Benicia Education Foundation’s annual Run For Educationthat began in 2008 with 200 runners. That number has significantly increased over time.
Get tickets now – the 10K race starts at 8am May 5. The 5K run/walk starts at 8:20am and the Kids Fun Run starts at 10am. Each race starts at the end of First Street. The “Hit the Snooze Virtual 4K and 10K” run registration deadline is May 4, and for the Shop and Stroll, May 5.
“The idea was to create a community-centered event that would benefit all children in public schools in Benicia,” said Neeley Silberman, president of the Benicia Education Foundation.
This year, the date has moved from April to May 5, to coincide with Benicia’s downtown Open Studios. It’s expected to draw 700 or more local and distant first-timers and expert athletes who collectively raise about $40,000. Proceeds will underwrite local schools’ science, technology, engineering art and mathematics (STEAM) education programs.
Runners choose from a 10K race, a 5K walk-run and a children’s one-mile Fun Run. Medals are awarded for first, second and third place in each age group. Races are certified by the United States of America Track and Field (USATF).
Registering early is a plus. For those registering by May 2, the 12th Annual Benicia Education Foundation 10K Run is $45; the 5K Run is $35 to $40 each for families of three or more; and the Kids’ Fun Run is $20. Prices increase after that date.
Courtesy Benicia Education Foundation BEF Run For Education 2015 |
The school with the most representation gets a perpetual trophy. ‘The last few years, Joe Henderson Elementary has been the recipient,” Silberman said. Signature sponsor is Holgun and Sy Wealth Management and United Parcel Service (UPS) is the course sponsor. Hamann Real Estate is the Diamond contributor. Platinum sponsors are Estey Real Estate, Republic Services, F3 and Rotary Club. Gold sponsors are Valley Fine Foods, Ponder Environmental, Sandoval’s, the City of Benicia and Benicia Magazine. Silver sponsors are CSA Engineers and Surveyors, Jazzercise and Benicia Bay Electric. The Bronze sponsor is Road Runner Sports.
At least 100 volunteers are needed, and may sign up at runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/CA/Benicia/BeniciaEducationFoundationRunForEducation or by emailing Volunteer Coordinator Tobi Melvin, TobiBEFrun@gmail.com. Runners may register on the Foundation’s main page, beniciaeducationfoundation.org/.
