Podium Was a Hit at Walnut Festival Run

Some interesting details about came from organizer Jason Cooke in the week's aftermath.

The organizers used a stage, backdrop and podium at the awards ceremony (see new photos), much like some bike races. That was popular with the top three finishers in various categories, said Cooke.

The run was a fund-raiser for education, with heavy volunteering and participation by educators. The fastest verified Walnut Creek teacher was Osi Juergens from Foothill Middle School.

The heaviest participation came from Northgate High (82), Indian Valley Elementary (73) and Las Lomas High (65).

The third place overall in the 10K was a visitor from Dublin, Ireland, Niall Coppinger, who came for a wedding later that day.

This year's race had its first wheelchair participant, Bert Egley of Walnut Creek, Cooke said.

Full race results are at the Walnut Festival Run website.