Sunday’s 10th Annual MEF Run for Education drew nearly 700 people, with 59 running the event's first 10k race. Kevin Selby of Martinez was the men's 5k winner once again, and Noreen Searles triumphed in the women's category. Kevin Searles won the 10k race for men, and Lori Rogers took first for the women's 10k.
But it was the school district who came out the big winner. Martinez Unified School District received a check for $51,000, well over last year's haul of $45,000. was a huge success, raising approximately $51,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation, far above the 2011 total of $45,000.
Lela Smith, a Martinez Junior High student who designed the winning logo for this year’s race, called the race to a start from a grandstand at the Main Street plaza. She then became the first logo contest winner to run in the 5k race. More than 100 people volunteered to make the event a success, including dozens of students from Martinez Junior High School and Alhambra High School.
The Run began in 2003 with the goal of rallying the community in support of the schools, and promoting health and wellness. Shell Martinez Refinery 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 raised more money than last year due to many community sponsors along with a large number of runners,” said Cheryl Vereschagin, MEF board president. “It’s wonderful to see entire families, Martinez schools teachers and staff and so many community members participating in the race.”
Paul Gabbard walked in the 5k with his wife, Deirdre. “Shell Martinez is proud to support this event. What a great day for the MEF and for Martinez schools.”
“This is an amazing community event,” Rami Muth said. “It’s yet another way that Martinez shows its support for the schools. I really appreciate Shell as a corporate sponsor and as, truly, a partner in education.
If you want to watch the runners come in, check out the YouTube video. The first runner comes in 12 minutes, 5 second into the video, so fast forward at least to there.
