The Bridge to Bridge Run in San Francisco is one of the most
prestigious of the many recreational running events in Northern
California. It is billed as
“America’s Most Beautiful Run in America’s Most Beautiful City”
by Sports Illustrated Magazine.
The Bridge to Bridge Run in San Francisco is one of the most prestigious of the many recreational running events in Northern California. It is billed as “America’s Most Beautiful Run in America’s Most Beautiful City” by Sports Illustrated Magazine.
The event features a 12 K run and a 7K run. Both start at San Francisco’s Ferry Building on The Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge, courses along the Embarcadero through Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiardelli Square, past Fort Mason, along Aquatic Park and the Marina Greens, through Crissy Field to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge and doubles backs to the Presidio where great post race activities begin.
South Valley Athletic Foundation Board members Rich Benner and Jon Hatakeyama decided to offer members of the Live Oak High School’s Cross Country Team, an opportunity to run in this event not only to get a break from the rigors of midseason training to have some fun, but to show them that their high school running and healthy habits can continue past high school into adulthood with events like the Bridge to Bridge Run.
It was decided that all aboard the two vehicles containing Live Oak Cross Country Team members – Josh Levy, Brent Hatakeyama, Kenny Benner, Lisa Herrera, Nolan Zandi, Joel Siebert, and Olivia Duran, would run the shorter race in deference to the old drivers, Mr. Benner and Dr. Hatakeyama.
Not only did all have an enjoyable time during the race and post race festivities, but they did extremely well with their running times. With over 3,000 runners in the 7K run section, these Morgan Hill citizens were outstanding.
Kenny Benner finished 7th overall and 3rd in his age group (16-29 years) followed by teammate Zandi (8th) overall and 4th in his age group. Levy finished 11th overall and 5th in his age group while Duran finished 1st in her age group (16 and under).
Not to be outdone by the youthful runners, Rich Benner came in 10th overall and 3rd in his age group, which he would not disclose.
The South Valley Athletic Foundation encourages running and running related activities as a mode for health and fitness. It sponsors the South Valley Wine Auction which provides funding for the Cross Country and Track & Field programs of Live Oak and Ann Sobrato High, Martin Murphy and William Britton Middle Schools and donates to the running events of all elementary schools of the Morgan Hill Unified School District. Rich Benner and Jon Hatakeyama are vice president and president, respectively, of this organization.
