Schools

PPIE Fun Run Raises $80,000 for Education

The money raised will go toward the Giving Fund for the 2014-2015 school year

The 2nd Annual Pleasanton Run for Education, a fundraiser for the Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation (PPIE), took place April 13, 2014, and by all measures, crossed the finish line as a resounding success.  

The event raised $80,000 for the foundation that have already been allocated to the Giving Fund for the 2014-2015 school year, exceeding last year’s net proceeds by $22,000.  

Sponsored in part by Title Sponsor ClubSport, and Workday and KKIQ, the races began and ended at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

With three races to choose from- a half marathon course, a 5K course, and the popular Kid’s Challenge- the event attracted over 2,700 registrants total- roughly 1,000 more than last year- with over 75% associated with the Pleasanton schools and a total of 418 children- three heats-worth- participating in the Kid’s Challenge.  

"We had anticipated some growth for this year's event, but the substantial jump in registrants far surpassed our expectations,” said Event Chair Kelly French. “We also had over 250 volunteers, and more activities for the kids, including a fantastic flash mob that captured the amazing energy of race day.”  

A number of Pleasanton teachers and students were among the winners of several races. 

Ann Cartwright, a science teacher and track coach at Pleasanton Middle School was the Female First Place winner of the half marathon and her 8th grade daughter, Kaitlin, won Female First Place in the 5K.

The Male First Place winner of the half marathon was Jason Oswalt, a math teacher and cross country/track coach at Amador Valley High School, and one of his students, track team member and sophomore Dylan Dantzig, won Male First Place in the 5K.  

This was the second year Ann Cartwright had run the race.

“It is a great community event,” she said. “I try to promote the run to my PE students and it was listed as one of our events on our track team's schedule. It was wonderful that there were such a large number of teachers and staff, as well as Pleasanton families, both running and volunteering.”  

Event Co-Chair Bryan Gillette explored course design options for months.
"Pleasanton has many great trails, friendly neighborhoods and a beautiful downtown which makes for an ideal running environment,” Gillette said. “Our goal was to incorporate as many of these elements as possible. For example, for our half marathon this year, we incorporated the Marilyn Kane trail, which appeals to a variety of athletes.”   

“PPIE is tremendously grateful for the overwhelming community support and we’re looking forward to hosting the 3rd Annual Pleasanton Run for Education on April 12, 2015,” said French. Updates will be posted on the official Run website www.ppierun.com

—Information submitted by Pleasanton Partners in Education


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