Community Corner
Runners Cross Finish Line for Walnut Creek Schools
Brian Collett of Berkeley wins the 10K race in the Walnut Festival Run for Education.
Early Sunday morning, some 1,200 runners laced up and raced in the Walnut Festival Run For Education on the streets of downtown Walnut Creek.
Runners of all ages participated in the benefit event. Last year, the race raised more than $10,000 for Walnut Creek schools.
Numerous Walnut Creek teachers participated or volunteered for the race to show their support for education.
“As a teacher, I want to volunteer to help members of the community, putting on an event that supports Walnut Creek education,” said Sarah Wondolowski, history and leadership teacher at Las Lomas High.
Ryan Moeller, a junior at Las Lomas, ran the race with his friends.
“There’s a chance to wear these crazy outfits and look like fools at 8 a.m.,” said Moeller.
His friend, Chris Grove of Las Lomas, added that it’s a good feeling to support his community.
Brian Collett of Berkeley came in first place overall in the 10-kilometer race. He is a professional runner and participates all over the Bay Area.
“There’s a really good atmosphere here, really good friendly, neighborhoodish atmosphere," said Collett. "It’s kinda fun. We’re in really good scenery. I wish the sun would come out but hey, it’s good running weather!”
“Ultimately, I know that this course is very flat, just a slight bit of a breeze. The idea was to shoot out quickly and try to maintain a good, solid lead.”
Preliminary results for the 5-kilometer race:
1. John Constar 18:10 Walnut Creek
2. Brian Collins 19:02 Walnut Creek
3. Katherine Abdolhosse 19:23 San Jose
Preliminary results for the 10-kilometer race:
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1. Brian Collett 35:11 Berkeley
2. Daniel Madigan 36:31 Walnut Creek
3. Tim Keenan 36:40 Walnut Creek
Full race results, when they are finalized, will be available here.
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“The best part about this race is that the money goes to student groups," said Wondolowski.
The Walnut Festival Run is only the start of the annual Walnut Festival activies that will take place over the next two weekends. Next weekend, the Twilight Parade will take place downtown on Saturday night at 6 p.m. The following weekend, Sept. 22-25, the Walnut Festival will come to Heather Farms.
