MEF Run Raises $45,000 For Local Schools

The sky was overcast but the weather was great for running, and walking on Saturday, Oct. 1, as hundreds of people of all ages gathered on Main Street to participate in one of the community’s favorite events, the 9th annual Martinez Education Foundation 5k Run Walk for Education.

Results of the race are here.

Kevin Selby of Martinez repeated his first place showing in the men’s category in this year’s event, while Carin Ward of San Francisco came in first in the women’s category.

Your humble author came in somewhere around 498, but my rule is very simple: if a puma for a very mean individual is chasing me, I run. Otherwise, I walk. And the MEF event is no exception.

All told, there were 614 runners and walkers participating in the 9th annual event, which raised $45,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation, down from last year’s total of $52,000.

The event’s primary sponsor is, as always, the Martinez Shell Refinery, and the new general manager, Paul Gabbart, was at the race on Saturday.

“I’m glad to part of this great community event,” he remarked, adding that Shell is proud to support the MEF. “It’s great to be able to raise funds that can be used for legacy equipment in the schools, including technology and computers.”

Complete results are posted downtown on the side of the Bank of America building. 

The Run began in 2003 with the goal of rallying the community in support of the schools, and promoting health and wellness. It is the hallmark community event of the Shell Martinez Refinery, which devotes staff time to organizing the event and matches all contributions. The Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) uses the Run proceeds to give grants to Martinez schoolteachers for needed technology and other equipment in classrooms. 

“We appreciate the continuing support of the Martinez community, supporting the Martinez schools,” said Larry Lippow, MEF president. “This Run is a win-win. Martinez schools get better, which makes the Martinez community get better.”