As I stood above the field on Sept. 15 looking down upon the hundreds of people scattered across the Liberty High School football field ready to run in the 3rd annual Delta Harvest Run, I saw so many familiar faces. I saw people of all ages, genders and abilities which is what makes the running community so welcoming.
The sun was slowly rising above the horizon and it was a cool, breezy morning. The excitement grew with each passing minute. The announcer loudly stated, “It’s time to countdown to the start of our 10k and 5k race.” My heart beat slightly faster and a smile beamed across my face. The horn sounded and we were off.
As I began my 6.2 mile journey and cruised along the familiar streets of Brentwood, I saw many friendly people. They said hello, smiled, and high fived me. I even heard, “Way to go,” and “You got this.” The volunteers cheered for me as I passed by.
A fellow runner, Brandi Sprenkel, described her experience, “I had a great time at the Delta Harvest Run this last Sunday. I loved being able to support our community doing something I enjoy. A great way to get together with friends and family and be active.”
Brandi’s husband, Paul, and two sons came to cheer her on. This to me is what the Delta Harvest Run is all about; to bring us together and support our local community.
Another participant was a young girl who ran with all her heart. Her name was Sara “Renny” Buchanan. She is ten years old and a fifth grader at Krey Elementary and entered to run the 5k. She was determined….fast.
As she approached the finish line she got hit with a wave of sickness which halted her in her steps. It took her some time but as her sickness subsided, she ran across the finish line.
She ended up 8th overall, 3rd in the women’s division and 1st in her age group of 12 and under.
“I was really nervous but all of the encouraging people really helped,” says Renny.
She also liked the volunteers and was happy that the other winners were really nice to her.
Wendy Shearer, the Event Organizer, was grateful for the many sponsors, the high school students who volunteered and especially for the committee chair people that have spent the last year organizing and putting together this event.
Last year there were 273 participants and this year it rose to 719 participants. The event raises money to support East Contra Costa County food banks, shelters and it funds college scholarships at our local high schools.
It is organized by the Delta Association of Realtors Community Service Foundation and is designed for all fitness levels and includes a half marathon, 10k, 5k and family fun run.
With help from Summit Funding, the run was able to offer cash prizes for the first time this year. The run is always the third Sunday in September. Next year’s event is already scheduled for September 21, 2014.
For information, go to www.deltaharvestrun.com. You will also see the full results which are now posted.
Written By Tami Wannamaker
Tami Wannamaker participated in the 10K Run and took 19th place overall in the women’s results. She took 6th in her age division (40-49).
