Community Corner
Still a Great Race After 33 Years
Cloudy skies and cool temperatures contribute to speedy results for some runners.
Under cloudy skies and cool temperatures, more than 1,000 registered runners participated early Sunday morning in
The 4-mile run/walk attracted young and old. Runners and walkers gathered in Saratoga at 14420 Big Basin Way—between Third and Fourth streets—then followed scenic and ascending Highway 9 toward downtown Los Gatos for the finish.
Lots of moms with strollers, dogs and their owners and parents with children participated in the event. There were also many "bandit runners," participants who didn't officially register, but still ran or walked to enjoy the benefits of exercise.
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It was all good for Rotarians, who worked hard to plan the event and make sure it was a success.
On the course all morning was President Tom Boyce and Los Gatos Rotary Great Race "starter" Joe Varozza, who got the crowd excited to pound the pavement. Los Gatos Rotary photographer Donald A. "Don" d'Arms took some great photos of the top finishers.
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Other Rotarians and volunteers were also on hand to give participants water at mile 2 and at the finish line. A Fun and Fitness Fair followed on Elm Street and Santa Cruz Avenue. Rotarian Russ Klein's band provided live entertainment and several booths were available for runners/walkers to enjoy.
Los Gatos resident Elizabeth Cilker Smith ran with her 10-year-old dog, Bella. "I love this race," she said, as husband, Kent Smith, did his best to stay with her.
Boy Scout Troop 501 was busy keeping the course clean and making sure participants were hydrated after the race.
The Great Race was sponsored by the , Cornerstone Shopping Center, , Princeton Capital, , Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Barracuda Networks, , CPO Ltd., , and .
For complete race results, visit: active.com
Men overall:
1. Lenin Zapata of Santa Clara completed the race in 19.44.
2. Jose Pina of San Jose completed the race in 21:26.
3. Andrew Parsel of Carmel Valley completed the race in 21:38.
Women overall:
1. Valerie Weilert of San Jose completed the race in 25:41.
2. Bree Lambert of Los Gatos completed the race in 26:34.
3. Honor Fetherston of Los Gatos completed the race in 26:44.
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