News
Run for Education Event Returns to Northern Nevada for Fourth Year in October 2008; Features New Location
07-08-2008
RENO, NV - One of northern Nevada’s most popular events will return for its fourth year in 2008. Organizers for the ‘Run for Education’ (formerly the “Meridian Gold Run for Education’) announced today that the event will be held Sunday, Oct. 19 at a new location at Damonte Ranch High School in south Reno. One hundred percent of the proceeds generated from the run go directly to the Education Collaborative benefitting Washoe County schools.
The event, presented by Yamana Gold, Microsoft Licensing and Walmart has become extremely popular among children and families as well as competitive runners. Last year’s event attracted more than 3,500 participants and raised close to $245,000. In all, over the past three years, the ‘Run for Education’ has raised a total of $529,000 for local schools and students.
“The ‘Run for Education’ has quickly become a community cornerstone providing a fun atmosphere that encourages children and families to get outside and exercise, while still appealing to elite runners,” said Darcy Marud, senior vice president of exploration for Yamana Gold. “We are pleased to announce that it will continue in 2008 and be bigger and better than ever.”
While the location for this year’s event has been moved to Damonte Ranch High School, the course will still wind through the streets of south Reno’s Double Diamond area.
The ‘Run for Education’ consists of several races: a 10-kilometer run, a 5-kilometer run and walk, and 1-mile and 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 and faculty 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. 19 beginning at 7 a.m. Registration is required and there is a discount for participants who register before Oct. 10. 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 Collaborative call (775) 353-5533.
CONTACT: Mike Draper
775-323-1611
mike.draper@rrpartners.com
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