On April 28, the annual Pleasanton Run for Education took place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Over 2,300 runners of all ages came to the fairgrounds on a Sunday morning to take part in the Kids’ Challenge, 5k race, or the 10k race.
The event is one of the largest fundraisers for schools here in Pleasanton. This year. it is projected to raise over $100,000. More than 40 local businesses sponsored the event, donating supplies such as food and water.
“It’s a fantastic, huge community event. We have a lot of fun, and we’re super grateful for the community support,” said PPIE Executive Director Andrea Wilson.
200+ student volunteers ranging from middle schoolers to high schoolers come to help out at the event. For high school students, the event helps them acquire the 20 community service hours needed for graduation.
“There were some volunteers moving the equipment around, awarding medals to people, distributing shirts, and announcing the winners. I was there to distribute water and Gatorade to runners and would recommend doing it because it’s a great place. I woke up at like 5 am to get there, so it’s an early rise, but otherwise, pretty good,” said Aditya Maramreddy (‘24).
A Long History
The Pleasanton Run for Education has been happening annually since 2012. The event awards the top runners in both the 5K and 10K. It also recognizes winners for each age group.
“I began running [PPIE] ever since fourth grade. My parents signed me up every year. It’s a really good environment. For the past two years, I’ve been getting first in my age group. This year, I decided to change to the shorter 5k instead of the 10k, which is what I usually do. This year, I got third in my age group,” said Ollie Gu (‘27).
The event brings together the community all for the common cause of raising money for schools. It is open to all ages and participants range from three to eighty year olds.
“I ran along the guy who got first overall in the 5k. He was like a professional runner for Half Moon Bay. I was able to run with him for like a little bit at the start of the race. That was really fun,” said Gu.
The event takes months of planning. Staff start in January, figuring out logistics, creating advertisements, and finding sponsors. But all that effort is worth it in the end.
“It is the biggest fundraiser that we do for our schools here in Pleasanton. It allows all of our families to come together for a fun morning of fun and fitness,” said Wilson. “[We] get together and celebrate the amazing schools that we have here.”
