Half-Marathon Comes to Redwood City

On your marks, get set, OctobeRun!

As Redwood City residents gear up for the Redwood City Education Foundation (RCEF) FunRun on the Fourth of July, active runners can look forward to another race in October. In conjunction with the Peninsula OktoberFest, the Peninsula’s first half-marathon in years will be coming to Redwood City on Oct. 15.

As budgets continue to be cut and revenue streams are hit hard by the economy, every fundraiser is crucial for the .

“It’s critical because Redwood City is funded by the state and surrounding cities are financed by property taxes, so we see less per student,” said RCEF treasurer and organizer Rick Hunter.

Hunter said he was hesitant to set a fundraiser goal because this was the race’s first year. But he pointed out that the first this year raised $17,000.

The race will start at Courthouse Square, but the organizers are working with the and the county to determine the starting line.

“It’s a good distance,” Hunter said. “It’s difficult and a stretch goal for a lot of people, but it’s do-able.”

Because of the steady, flat terrain in Redwood City, competitive runners will have a chance to avoid treacherous hills and run their personal best.

Participants will cross over the freeway on Maple and go over the Bay trail, along Bair Island and the old theatre, run along the water next to Redwood Shores then turn back.

“We’ve got the perfect weather and the perfect geography,” Hunter said.

Runners in the community said they were excited about the race.

“This is definitely a great idea because Redwood City is a community that has a lot of runners,” said Dena Evans, Redwood City parent and former Stanford University cross-country coach. “This is a great addition to the offerings in the mid-Peninsula.

For more information and registration, visit www.OktobeRun.com.