If there
’s a better way to spend part of Memorial Day weekend than
running along some of the most scenic areas around Morgan Hill, Sue
Scigliano would likely have a hard time imagining it.
If there’s a better way to spend part of Memorial Day weekend than running along some of the most scenic areas around Morgan Hill, Sue Scigliano would likely have a hard time imagining it.
And, that probably represents the opinion of the 200 or so runners who will show up to compete in the annual Mushroom Mardi Gras Fun Run on Saturday, May 29.
Scigliano, the race organizer for the past four years, said the Fun Run’s course is simply a joy.
The race begins at Anderson Lake County Park and winds along the Coyote Bike Path alongside the creek before finishing back at Anderson.
“It’s very scenic,” Scigliano said.
The annual event includes both a 5K and a 10K run, with the former beginning at 8:30 a.m., about five minutes before the latter.
There is a $30 registration fee and all pre-registered runners receive a t-shirt and a free Mushroom Margi Gras ticket. Pre-registration ends today and can be done by completing the form on page B3. Pre-registered entry forms must be postmarked by May 21.
Scigliano said additional t-shirts and Mardi Gras tickets may be available to late registrants.
Besides the scenic course, runners have another great incentive to participate — all proceeds go to the Live Oak High athletics programs through the school’s boosters club.
Along with the boosters’ annual golf tournament and membership drive, the race serves as one of the three main fundraisers for the high school’s sports programs, helping to purchase much-needed uniforms and equipment, Scigliano said.
The event raises about $3,000 per year for the programs, she said.
“We do rely on this (event) to help fund the sports programs and it’s especially important this year because we don’t know what will be cut,” Scigliano said.
Unfortunately, Scigliano said in order to keep the fundraising levels about the same as past years the entry fee for this year’s race had to be raised from $25 to $30. She said the reason for the increase was a number of new permit costs, including county and city permits, associated with operating the event.
Scigliano said it is hoped that the event will begin drawing more runners in the next few years, while maintaining its cozy, familiar atmosphere.
“We were really hoping to build up to 250 or 300 — obviously, we want to raise as much money for the high school as possible — but it’s nice to participate in a smaller race with your friends and neighbors where almost everybody knows everybody else,” she said.
Mayor Dennis Kennedy will hand out awards to the top three finishers in each age category after the race this year.
Details: visit the Web site at www.mhmushroom-mardigras.com or call (408) 227-4638.
