They came from as far away as Minnesota and Colorado. They
caravaned from across San Benito County and the Central Coast, all
for a good cause.
They came from as far away as Minnesota and Colorado. They caravaned from across San Benito County and the Central Coast, all for a good cause.
More than 190 runners and participants took part in the first Run For Literacy Saturday in San Juan Bautista to help raise money for the Adult Literacy Program of San Benito County.
“This is fabulous,” said Barbara Scott, the program’s executive director, adding she’s ready to plan for next year’s race. “Not bad at all for a first run.”
And not bad times on the certified course that was flat and fast as it meandered through rural settings in the western portion of the county.
Watsonville’s Javier Ramirez, who won the 5K race in 18 minutes, 49 seconds, said he enjoys running in San Juan Bautista and attempts to participate anytime an event takes places in the Mission City.
“I like running here very much because it’s a nice place to come to,” he said.
Kevin Kelley of Boulder Creek was the overall winner, taking the 10K event in 36 minutes, 2 seconds. Andrew Coe of Salinas placed second in 37:36 and Scotts Valley’s Ryan McNamara was third with a time of 38:12.
The Adult Literacy Program is administrated by the San Juan Bautista Library and was first funded two years ago with $64,000 in seed money by the state with a three-year limit that included consecutive reductions.
Last year, the state monies were reduced by 2.9 percent and next year the state will eliminate 75 percent of the program’s funding, leaving the community on its own.
“This is why we needed to prepare now because that grant money will be gone,” SJB librarian Pat Larkin said.
Larkin said more than 18,000 people in San Benito County lacked the literacy skills to improve their quality of life.
“There are so many people in the county who need this program,” she said.
Also on hand to help were 37 local volunteers handing out water bottles, T-shirts, oranges and helping to direct runners along the course. Six girl scouts and the Anzar High School cheerleading team also helped keep the runners in good spirits with a cheer.
Placing second in the 5K run was Carl Palmucci of Fremont, who finished in 19:14, 25 seconds behind Ramirez. Terry Bauer of Salinas placed third in 19:18, just 4 seconds behind Palmucci.
“They were from all over – Elk Grove to Colorado and Minneapolis,” said Janet Miller, a volunteer and reading tutor who was registering last-minute runners.
San Juan Bautista’s Mayor Priscilla Hill gave the word and they were off.
“I’m very pleased with the turnout and it is a great boost for the community.” she said.
Hill said the race was a good way to reach out to people who might need the literacy program’s service but may not know that it existed.
“This way they see it and it brings it into the light,” she said.
And volunteer Annie Bradford was excited to see so many people out to help support literacy.
“This is such a good program for the community, and what a beautiful for a race,” she said.
