Community Corner
'Spirit Run' Draws More Than a Thousand to the Heart of Pleasanton
The annual event raises scholarship money for students graduating from local high schools.
When a car crash shattered Eric Zentner's spine last year it may have been tough for him to imagine clocking 42 minutes in a 10K race.
But that's exactly what the 44-year-old Livermore resident, who's paralyzed from the waist down, accomplished at today's annual Spirit Run – a race to help raise college scholarship money for local high school kids. The event, sponsored by the Pleasanton Rotary Club, drew more than 1,300 such runners to downtown.
"This is my first race since the accident," said Zentner, while resting post-race in his wheelchair. "My physical therapist told me to shoot for 45 minutes, and I came out and ran a 42:04. I loved it. There are so many nice people here and I got a lot of encouragement."
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The streets were packed with runners, many of whom brought family and friends. Athletes up to 90-years-old joined Zentner, running a 10K or a 5K. Children aged 5 to 8 could participate in the "Kid's Challenge" – a short sprint down Main Street.
Spirit Run Director John Lange said the race gets bigger every year, with today's event bringing in over $24,000 in scholarship money.
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"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said Lange, 34. "This is the lifeblood of our scholarship fund and with the cost of college going up it really highlights the importance of the Spirit Run."
Hungry runners could refuel with sponsored food and drinks including fresh fruit, cookies, ice cream and lemonade and coffee and soft drinks.
In addition to the main races and their winner's ribbons, the Rotary Club held a raffle and handed out additional prizes to members of the crowd who could answer questions about sponsors.
"This is my first year at this race," said runner Kathryn Krebs, 42, "and I thought it was very well organized with a lot of enthusiasm and a great course to run."
Her daughter, 15-year-old Lindsey Krebs agreed but came away from the race limping.
"I had fun until I slipped a little where the dirt and grovel section was and twisted my ankle," she said.
Despite the mishap, the Krebs', like many racers, said they'd like to participate next year.
