| | Published October 23rd, 2024
| Lafayette Res Run invigorates and delights
| | | By Elaine Borden Chandler |  | | 5k race begins Photo Elaine Borden Chandler |
On the chilly but sunny morning of Sunday, Oct. 20, 2000 people ran, sprinted, and walked down Mount Diablo Boulevard as a part of the Lafayette Res Run. Crowds of spectators waited on the sidelines in thick sweaters and puffer jackets, cheering and clapping for both the participants they knew and strangers.
The Lafayette Res Run for Education is an annual event presented by the Lafayette Chamber and the City of Lafayette to raise money for local schools. It benefits all the public schools of Lafayette, as well as Miramonte and Campolindo. There were three runs on the day of the Res Run - the two timed races, the 5k flat race, and the 10k race that loops around the Lafayette Reservoir, as well as the 2 Miles Run/Walk for Fun. There was also a Reservoir Challenge, a 2.7-mile virtual race that participants could complete anywhere they wanted from Oct. 12 to 19.
Before the races began, the runners and walkers jumped and stretched to limber up their muscles in the cold. Caleb Worcester and his father Matt Worcester were running the 5k race together for Stanley Middle School. Caleb, who previously participated in the Res Run when he was five years old and again at six years old, was nervous but said that he was looking forward to beating his old time. Matt Worcester said, "I'm looking forward to the downhill." ...
It was Yarumi Olivera's first time running in the Res Run. She explained, "My daughter is in first grade, so I'm giving her something to look up to." Olivera ran for Campolindo because her daughter, while in first grade, was there as part of Campolindo Youth Cheer and was cheering ecstatically as Olivera crossed the line in her orange socks and tutu.
The race start times were staggered, with the 5k race starting two minutes early at 7:58, the 10k race starting at 8:14, and the 2 Mile Run starting at 8:45.
The MC was Tom Stack who, dressed in a tan SF 49ers sweatshirt, revved up the crowd, encouraged the runners, and bantered with Terry Ring, who counted down the beginning of each race.
"It's a microphone, Terry," boomed Stack over the runners waiting to start the 10k race.
"I don't need a microphone!" hollered back Ring, to a cheer of approval from the runners.
The crowd waited patiently, talking, taking photos, and exploring the Healthy Lifestyles Health Fair on Lafayette Circle. When the first and fastest runners went through the green and black finish line arch, the crowd applauded and cheered en masse, but cheered even harder for friends and family.
Sophie Lu and Amelia Tucker of Seven Hills Schools ran the 5k race together and crossed the finish line holding hands, like they had promised. "It was so fun, but afterwards my legs felt like blocks of stone!" said Tucker.
When she finished her race, Dana Chery was greeted by her husband and their two children holding handmade signs. "It was incredible," she said with her daughter tucked on her hip, "I love this opportunity to give back to the school system and stay in shape."
As the races ended and the temperature finally rose into the 60s, the smiles stayed faces and the race became a low-key festival. Runners, walkers, and spectators drifted through the car-free streets holding medals, coffee, and snacks, enjoying the good atmosphere and sense of accomplishment.
To see the results of the 5k and 10k races, go to https://my.raceresult.com/311650/live. |
 | | Yarumi Olivera |  | | Lafayette Res Run - 10k race begins Photos Elaine Borden Chandler | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA