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Run For Education on Sunday, October 18th

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09-29-2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   CONTACT: Mike Draper

August 17, 2008                                               775-323-1611

RENO, Nev.-  Organizers for the wildly popular ‘Run for Education' recently announced that this year's event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Damonte Ranch High School in south Reno.  All of the proceeds generated from the run, now in its fifth year, go directly to the Education Alliance of Washoe County to help support the academic and fitness needs of  Washoe County school kids.

The event, presented by Yamana Gold, Microsoft Licensing and Walmart has become a favorite among children and families as well as competitive runners.  Last year's event attracted close to 3,500 participants and raised more than $180,000.  In all, in its first four years, the ‘Run for Education' has raised a total of $720,000 for local schools and students.

"Thanks to phenomenal support from the community, this event gets bigger and better every year and we anticipate that 2009 will be our best year ever," said Darcy Marud, senior vice president of exploration for Yamana Gold.  "Not only does the Run provide a fun and affordable way to enjoy an autumn weekend, the event encourages children and families to get outside and exercise.  And, we work hard to ensure that the race still appeals to and attracts the region's elite runners."

Denise Hedrick, Executive Director of the Education Alliance, has enjoyed watching the event grow and provide a fun fitness activity for our students. "The Run For Education focuses on wellness in the school and bringing this knowledge and lifestyle to the students and school communities," said Denise.  "In addition to providing financial assistance to schools, we have the opportunity to teach health and wellness to students!"

The ‘Run for Education' winds through the streets of south Reno's Damonte Ranch area and consists of several races:  a 10-kilometer run, a 5-kilometer run and walk, and a half-mile fun runs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.  Cash prizes are awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in both the male and female divisions for the overall 10k and 5k run.  There is also a School District category that awards local schools based on the number of students that participate.

After the races there will be a variety of exciting entertainment and fun games for everyone.  Other activities will include bounce houses, a climbing wall, basketball, football and golf.  Additional activities and entertainment will continue to be added leading up to race day.

 "In addition to being a fun, affordable activity for families and kids, this race addresses two of the more pressing issues facing our community; a growing lack of health and exercise among our young people and a rapidly increasing need for funding to support student academic achievement," said Eric Lerude, the event's race director.  "This has become an extremely successful way to rally the community around these two important causes."

The ‘Run for Education' takes place on Sunday, Oct. 18.  Registration is required and there is a discount for participants who register before Oct. 10.  All participants will receive a t-shirt and complimentary gift bag.  For more information on the race or to find out about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, log onto www.washoerunforeducation.org or call (775) 850-3708.  For more information on Education Alliance call (775) 353-5533.