Be the inspiration - Register for Rotary Great Race

Be the inspiration! - 42nd annual Los Gatos Rotary Great Race

Rotary Club of Los Gatos is hosting what has become for many an annual tradition and favorite community bonding event - a 4 mile run/walk/jog or stroll race starting in Saratoga and ending in Los Gatos on Sunday April 28, 2019 at 8:30am.

Not only is this run inspiring participants to get out and be healthy, but a significant amount of the proceeds from this race benefit local youth. The largest percentage of the proceeds go into the Los Gatos Rotary Scholarship Foundation which funds scholarships awarded to Los Gatos and Leigh High School seniors for higher education. Each year Rotary awards approximately $40,000 to students who have been recommended by their school guidance counselor and selected by the Rotary scholarship committee. Many of these students have been leaders and active members of their school Interact Club, which is a Rotary sponsored service club. Los Gatos High School 2018 graduate and former Interact Club President, Lily Toda, was one of the Scholarship recipients last year. Lily said “The Rotary scholarship gave me the push and opportunity to go overseas and attend Japan’s top private university! I am currently studying economics at Waseda University in Tokyo. Being here, I’ve had the chance to not only study at the Waseda, but learn and grow by exploring the country and its culture. Rotary’s scholarship has provided me the support I very much appreciate and enriched my time in college.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate and running clubs are excited that this race is now on the USAFT Pacific Road Racing Grand Prix Schedule. Over 1,200 people are expected to par- ticipate.
Be sure to attend the Fun & Fitness fair in the parking lot behind the finish line near Elm Street. which will include music, massage therapists, food trucks and local business vendors. The top 3 racers of each age group will receive a medal.

Rotary Club of Los Gatos has been hosting this event since 1983. As long-timers know, the race was launched in 1978 by Saratoga Mayor Bill Glennon when he challenged residents of his city and the Town of Los Gatos to take part in a "friendly" competition. Glennon had just formed a running club and was encouraging members to train for and complete a marathon. To facilitate that training and get the communities involved, he suggested the race.
Glennon’s goal of community involvement has been the cornerstone of the race. While there are true racers, there are also families running and walking together, siblings competing with each other, babies in strollers pushed by their parents, neighbors walking together and sharing stories and catching up. It is a wonderful event for all ages and skill levels. It is what a community event is all about.

Rotary could not hold this event without the help of all its sponsors. Sereno Group has been the Presenting Sponsor for ten years. In addition Rotary thanks Palo Alto Medical foundation, Los Gatos Luxury Cars, El Camino Hospital, Trilogy, Juice, Physicians Medical Group, Good Samaritan, Integrated Copy Solutions, The Club at Los Gatos, 95.3 KRTY, KLIV 1590, Addison- Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley, Inikosoft Design, Mint Condition, Urban Remedy, Darling Fischer, Los Gatos Memorial Park, Quakes San Jose. Many community volunteers help such as Boy Scout Troop 2 and high school Interact Clubs.

Rain or shine, be inspired and inspire others by participating. Everyone who registers will re- ceive a t-shirt at the end of the race. Entry fee is $50 per person with a $5 discount for children
12 and under. Online registration is at www.lggreatrace.com will be open until April 26 or you can register in person at Athletic Performance in Los Gatos starting in April or the start of the race which is located at 14500 Big Basin Way, Saratoga CA 95070.

About Rotary Club of Los Gatos: The Rotary Club was chartered in January 15, 1924. For over 90 years, we have been nurturing ideas, developing projects and delivering service to the community and the wider world. Along the way, we have made lifetime friendships and have fun. Club meetings are held every Tuesday 12:15pm at the Los Gatos Lodge
www.losgatosrotary.org