The Piedmont Junior Running Club held its inaugural race in Dracena Park on Nov. 15. Conditions were ideal as the rain forecasted for that day never materialized. Sixty-four 4th and 5th graders from all three Piedmont elementary schools participated in the 0.9-mile event. The runners navigated the paved path that winds through the park, including uphill and downhill segments and challenging curves. The event was staged in three heats, each comprising about 20 participants. Every runner received a finisher medal, and individual trophies were awarded to the top three boys and three girls in each heat. The boys’ and girls’ winners by heat were:
- Heat 1: Will Brumfiel (Wildwood), Cate Brasfield (Havens)
- Heat 2: Timmy Edit (Havens), Lanea Patty (Beach)
- Heat 3: Max Centeno (Wildwood), Harper Maing (Beach)
Max had the fastest overall time for the day, finishing the course in 6 minutes, 18 seconds. While Harper had the fastest time for a girl in 6 minutes and 46 seconds.
In addition, a perpetual trophy was awarded to the school with the fastest combined top five times regardless of heat or gender. Havens won this year’s trophy, just edging out Wildwood and Beach.
The Dracena race represented the culmination of a 10-week fall season in which students from all three schools practiced twice weekly to build speed and endurance. The temporary closure of Witter Field meant that runners did not have the benefit of a track; teams instead completed their long runs in neighborhood streets and parks.
The coaching staff would like to extend their thanks to the community for sharing Dracena Park on race day and to the Recreation and Public Works departments for their event assistance.
After a break for the holidays, the Junior Running Club kicks off its winter season in January. Registration for the winter and spring seasons will open on Nov. 28. Click here to view the Piedmont Recreation activity guide for more information.
This program would not be possible without coaches from the community. If you are interested in being a coach, please contact Len Goldman at lgoldman@pacbell.net for more information.