Arbuckle Fun Run raises money for local programs
For only the second time, the eighth annual Arbuckle Fun Run 5K took place in the spring rather than the fall due to yet another COVID-19 scheduling change.
But it was in-person and netted a large crowd, according to event organizer Mary Grimmer.
Grimmer, a member of the event committee and employee with the Pierce Joint Unified School District, said this year’s event had one of the best turnouts in recent memory, especially when it came to preregistration.
Grimmer said the committee did a solid job making the race COVID-19friendly, enforcing a mask mandate in the communal areas of the race.
Everyone was supposed to wear a mask except for when they were racing, Grimmer said.
The event helps generate revenue each year for local youth programs, including educational opportunities at PJUSD, as well as with the Future Farmers of America and Future Business
Leaders of America.
Grimmer is hoping the event can return to the fall schedule in 2022.
For Pierce 16-yearold Rebekah Mcpeek, Saturday’s run was a return to normalcy, helping in her continued path as a Pierce cross country runner.
She finished the 5K in 31 minutes, 34 seconds, which was a time she was proud of because as a junior varsity runner at Pierce the event was a step up in distance from what she normally runs.
Mcpeek said running is a full body workout.
“It helps you mentally and keeps you alert,” she said. “It helps with endurance (too).”
As a member of the community, Mcpeek said the reopening phase in school and athletics has been smooth without major outbreaks so far.
All students, Mcpeek said, are required to wear masks in each class and only take it off for breakfast and lunch.
There were also a number of older residents who hit the trails on Saturday morning to benefit educational programs.
Cathay Marsh competed in her second Arbuckle Fun Run 5K following her bout with COVID-19 earlier this year.
Despite her mild symptoms, Marsh understands the seriousness of the virus and was glad the run was executed in a safe manner in-person.
Racing events continue in the area this week with the Leprechaun Run on Saturday, March 13 at Maxwell Elementary School.