Running: Mt. Madonna Challenge to test runners for 38th year

If you’re ready to elevate your running, the Mt. Madonna Challenge may be for you.
The 38th Annual Bill Flodberg Mt. Madonna Challenge will take place at 8 a.m. Aug. 24 on the Gilroy side of Mt. Madonna County Park. The event is divided into 6, 12, 18 and 30K distances that take runners up the mountain, climbing as much as 2,900 feet for the 30K course.
“It’s been in Gilroy for a long time,” South Valley Running Club Treasurer Kim Moyano said. “It’s a very, very difficult run, but there’s a lot of crazy people out here who come and do it and love it. It’s kind of a tradition. Hopefully our club can continue to do it and see it grow from there.”
The event is organized by the South Valley Running Club and proceeds go to the David Thoms Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to deserving graduating seniors from Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill who will continue their running careers in college. Thoms was an SVRC member and avid runner who passed away from a heart attack in 2007 while out on a run. Athletes must meet requirements to be considered for the scholarship and more information can be found at svrchome.org/scholarship.
“It’s a good thing for us to raise money for,” Moyano said. “We like to help out the community.”
The overall male and female winner for each race will receive a custom ceramic vase marking their achievement. Medals for the male and female first, second and third place finishers are also awarded.
Pre-registration for the challenge offers discounted rates as well as a techincal shirt. The cost for the event is $25 for the 6K, $30 for the 12K, $40 for the 18K and $45 for 18K if you register by Saturday.
The cost after Saturday — including race day registration — is $30 for the 6K, $35 for the 12K, $45 for the 18K and $50 for the 30K and does not guarentee a shirt.
Spots for the race are limited to a field of about 200 runners due to parking constraints.
“Come out, support us,” Moyano said. “The money goes towards the scholarships, not for our club, so that’s a positive thing. It’s just fun, we have fun. We try to make it a good time.”
For more information, contact Moyano at

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