Race proceeds fund Idyllwild School physical education. “Without race money, there would be very little in the way of physical education equipment available for the school,” said Guntermann. “The race is an all or nothing event for the school’s physical education program.”
Guntermann said the race has grown each year and that now children and grandchildren of those in the first years come back to participate. “In the first year there were about 25 participants. Last year was the biggest with 428.” She noted that registration is down this year and thought that gas prices and competing school graduation events might have depressed sign ups.
Guntermann talked about Idyllwild School’s central place in the community and how the race benefits student activities. “Everybody knows a kid who has gone or is going here,” she said. “You know what’s happening at the school. The community gives so much back. It really does take a whole community to raise kids.”
The top male and female finishers overall in the 5 and 10K runs will receive special awards and custom medallions, as will the top male and female competitors in the fitness walk. Awards will also be given to the top 3 males and females in each age group for the runs and for the top 5 overall men and women in the 5 k fitness walk. All children in the half-mile fun run at Town Hall will receive an award at the finish line.
The 5K run and fitness walk begin at 7:15 a.m. and the 10K run at 8 a.m. The kid’s fun run starts at 9:15 a.m.
Online registration closes Thursday, May 31. See the race website for registration costs and other information at www.idyllwildrace.com.
