Some 75 runners and walkers participated in the second 5K race of this season’s Sage to Summit Winter Series at Millpond Recreation Area north of Bishop Saturday.
With some pushing strollers and others running with dogs in tow, all were there for fitness as well as philanthropy, as the race was a fundraiser for the Eastside Student Center, a free, drop-in after-school center for Bishop students in grades 5 through 12, according to ESC program director Mel Compo.
Sage to Summit mountain sports shop owner Karen Schwartz, who can be seen in the photo in a blue puffy jacket with her back to the camera and ringing a cowbell to signal the start of the race, said the Winter Series 5K is in its 20th year. Sage to Summit loves to host the race, she said, because, “It’s a great community event that raises money, brings people together, and promotes exercise.”
One race takes place each month from December through February, with as many as 70 runners participating in each 5K on average. The first race this season benefited the Bishop Union High School boys soccer team, and the third race will benefit Wild Iris Family Counseling & Crisis Center, Schwartz said. She said each race usually raises between $1,000 and $1,500 for the selected nonprofit.
Funds are raised by charging a $10 entry fee per runner, and by selling raffle tickets for items ranging from camping gear, to running shoes, to sunglasses, to flight lessons, and more, organizers said.
“All monies received will be given directly back to the center’s kids in the way of snacks, games, art supplies and other tangible goods that are part of the after-school program,” Compo said.
