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PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert) -
PPIE’s Run for Education returns as a full in-person event later this month, with the fundraiser also marking its 10th anniversary. (Photo of 2018 run by Chuck Deckert)
The family-friendly 10th annual Run for Education will be held in person this year on April 24 at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
After two years of being remote because of the pandemic, participants in 2022 can enjoy running or walking in the fundraiser together, but participants unable to make it to the event can still take advantage via the virtual option available.
The Pleasanton Run for Education began in 2013 and has been supporting the Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation ever since. Residents excited about getting back to normalcy can look forward to the event that helps provide funds for staffing, technology and other support for the 15 public schools in Pleasanton.
“The whole country shut down like March 16 (2020) and within a matter of weeks, we transformed it into a virtual run to race around America, that’s pretty phenomenal,” PPIE Executive Director Steve McCoy-Thompson told the Weekly.
“The revenue that we raise helps to find important supplemental staff like reading and math specialists and support counselors,” McCoy-Thompson said of the Run for Education. “It also helps to fund our programs. We call it the business school engagement program where we get business volunteers who provide career guidance to students.”
For people who have been cooped up for a long time, the Run for Education offers yet another chance in 2022 to break free with an in-person event.
“The Pleasanton Run for Education provides a fun opportunity for the Pleasanton community to gather together in support of our schools,” Kelly French, president of the PPIE Board of Directors, said via email.
According to French, the response from the community is promising and registration numbers are projected to be higher than pre-pandemic participation.
“PPIE is really looking forward to getting the community back out and in person at our signature event,” French said.
The event creates a safe environment with an itinerary that includes talks from public speakers, along with music, food and activity accompanied by fun and frolic while raising funds for Pleasanton schools at the same time, according to organizers.
“We almost have a carnival style atmosphere,” McCoy-Thompson said. “They’re giving away food and drinks, and when people enter they get a really nice shirt. We’ll give everybody a participation medal, we have an award ceremony after that.”
PPIE has organized a 5K for both runners and casual strollers and starts at 8 a.m. April 24. The 10K and 15K start at 7:50 a.m. and both courses pass through downtown Pleasanton and fairgrounds.
Kids under the age of 11 are included in a 1/4-mile challenge which starts at 9:15 a.m. with a fun award ceremony in the end.
All participants will be presented with a medal and top three performers will receive special placement at the end of the race.
The fundraising run is a great way to spend time with family, friends and community members, and it attracts people from all walks of life, organizers said.
“I look forward to speed walking with our Board of Trustees, as we gather for this fun, in-person, community event this year,” Pleasanton Unified School District Superintendent David Haglund said. “I’m grateful to our friends at PPIE for hosting the Run for Education, this is a special event that has brought our community out to support our schools for a decade.”
Although not mandatory, people are encouraged to maintain social distance and wear a mask at the outdoor event, organizers said. For more information or to register, visit ppierun.com.
