Prep Your Running Shoes

Get your running shoes ready.

Registration is now open for the Walnut Festival Run, which raises money for local schools. The run includes a 5K, 10K and free kids run.

The run begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, with a theme honoring emergency personnel to recognize the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The events include a patriotic costume contest.

“We kind of build our event as the largest block party in downtown Walnut Creek,” said Jason Cooke, event director. “Around that theme we have lots of entertainment that we have scheduled and working up to bring in.”

Many of the performers will be local students, including the Walnut Creek Intermediate School glee club. Three junior high students will sing the national anthem.

Last year’s run raised more than $10,000 for the Walnut Festival Association.

The group donated a total of $20,000 to local schools last year.

“As popular as last year’s run was, we’re thinking maybe we’ll double the numbers, so we should be able to more than double our charitable contribution for schools,” Cooke said.

He said the course is attractive for runners because it is flat and quick.

“Last year, runners showed up out of nowhere, interested that it’s completely fast and basically a big circle around town,” Cooke said.

Both the 5K and 10K races begin at Main and Olympic and end at Broadway Plaza, near Nordstrom. The 10K runners will run the course twice. To see the course details, click here.

There will be prizes for different categories, including Fastest Walnut Creek Teacher.

Walnut Festival Run participants will be able to pick which school they want their contribution to go toward. After event expenses are paid, the money is split up based on the percentages of schools chosen by participants. This includes both private and public schools.

“The more people, more family, more friends you have represent, the more money goes back to your school,” Cooke said. “They can use it as a rally for their school and also as a chance to raise money for their school.”

Advanced registration for the race is $22 for junior high age and under, and $32 for high school age and adults. Families of four or more can register at $22 per person. Online registration ends on Sept. 4.

The kids run is free and includes a medal.

Race day registration is $35 for junior high age and under, and $45 for high school age and adults.

Patriotic T-shirts will be given to the first 1,000 people to register. Walkers, strollers and pets are also welcomed to the event.

For additional information, visit www.walnutfestivalrun.com or contact Jason Cooke at Jason@walnutfestivalrun.com. Anyone interested in performing or volunteering at the event should also email Cooke.