If you’re at the starting line at Solorsano Middle School on
Saturday, know that the race is all about you.
By Greg Chapman Staff Writer
Gilroy – If you’re at the starting line at Solorsano Middle School on Saturday, know that the race is all about you.
“The Run For the Stinkin’ Roses” 5k and 10k races will mark the South Valley Running Club’s (SVRC) first time sponsoring the event and their appreciation of runners will be on full display.
“We’re trying to make it the best experience for runners as we can since all of us are runners,” SVRC president Craig Lore said.
Lore says other sponsors might not feel obliged to maximize what runners want from all aspects of a race, making sure there is satisfaction with the course, direction, and finish. However, SVRC plans on being sponsors for more than just this year’s race and the club envisions consistency so runners will continue to look forward to the run each year.
Since the chase for the smell of garlic has become a tradition, SVRC kept the event in the same time frame. That way people can recognize the run and say, ‘OK, I want to do that run again.’
Although the course is compelling to veteran runners the most, it will not be the same. Runners will not have to worry about the twists and turns of the Bonfante Gardens. Instead, they can delight in one of life’s pleasures: a spectacular view.
“I think runners will really like the course,” Lore said. “You feel like you’re out in the country, not downtown somewhere.”
While participants are running on Santa Teresa Avenue they will be able to see the foothills that are South of Gilroy. And when on the bike path Lore described another scenic view that entails numerous trees and hills.
Lore said there is still time to register and a reason for greater interest could be that the event has evolved and sponsors have added to the draw.
“We didn’t know what we were going to get until we got it,” Lore said. “We kept going and going, and got more and more.”
Two things that could be of particular interest are free smoothies by Roebucks as well as free massages. Not to mention a live band and a give-away raffle.
If you love pets, the running clubs has decided to partner with a worthy cause they felt needed attention: pet adoption.
The running club’s committee chose to work with Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) because they were excited to be a part of the race and committed time and volunteers.
Eager participants will be able to register online at active.com or svrchome.org or at the race that day at 7am.
The first race of the day will be the 10k run, which will be a 6.2-mile loop course, and will start at 8 am. The 5k run, which is a 3.1-mile out-and-back course will start shortly after, taking place at 8:10 am.
The SVRC club has been preparing for the race since January and plan to work right until the race starts.
“We have got dedicated people who have been working on this for months and it’s going to turn out great,” Lore said. “I wish I could run, but I’m going to be helping.”
