News Summary

The 47th Annual Great Race in Los Gatos is set for August 30, with early-bird registration ending soon. Participants can join a 1-Mile Fun Run or a 4-Mile Great Race, with proceeds supporting community health initiatives. Pre-registration is encouraged for accurate timing and participant safety, and there will be on-site registration on race day. The event also features a donation tent for ShelterBox to aid Ukrainian refugees.

Registration Deadline Approaches for the 47th Annual Great Race in Los Gatos

Los Gatos is gearing up for its much-anticipated 47th Annual Great Race, set to take place on August 30 this year! If you’re looking to lace up your running shoes and join in on the fun, now is the time to act. This Saturday marks the last chance for early-bird registration pricing, so don’t miss out!

Event Overview

The Great Race, which was originally dubbed the Dammit Run, has been a beloved community event for almost half a century, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Los Gatos. Starting from its inception by Willie Harmatz, a former track and field coach at Los Gatos High School, the event has come a long way. Although it faced interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the race has returned stronger than ever!

This fantastic event has gained recognition and is sanctioned by USA Track & Field. Runners might even be excited to know that serious participants can earn credits that could help qualify them for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. So, whether you’re a future Olympian or just running for the joy of it, the Great Race welcomes everyone.

Race Details

The race will kick off with a 1-Mile Fun Run starting at 8:00 am, perfect for younger racers and walkers. At 8:30 am, the 4-Mile Great Race will commence for adults. This year, participants will start and finish at the newly located Gateway Pavilion, as the race has shifted from the traditional Highway 9 to enhance safety for all involved.

For participant safety, there will be an aid station and course monitors throughout the route. Plus, pre-registration is encouraged, as each participant will receive a bib with an electronic tracking device to ensure accurate timing. Registering online at LGGreatRace.com is available until August 1.

Community Support

The Great Race wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic support from local sponsors, including hospitals, health practitioners, banks, and businesses rallying together to promote health and fitness in the area. The Rotary Club of Los Gatos, which has been a staple in the community since it was chartered in 1924, focuses heavily on community service and creating high-impact support for youth and those in need. Featured Rotarians actively supporting this event include Richard Bobis, Linda Levenson, Marlon Smith, Doug and Marjorie Brent, and Dan Snyder.

Registration Fees and Race Day Information

If you’re interested in participating, registration for adults is $50, while kids aged 12 and under can register for only $10. The 1-mile kids fun run costs $20. Don’t worry if you miss the early deadline; race day registration will be available from 6:30 to 8:00 am at Vasona Lake County Park, where the kids’ run is set to start at 8:10 am.

As part of this year’s event, a special donation tent will be set up to support ShelterBox in their efforts to aid Ukrainian refugees. It’s an excellent chance to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying a fun-filled day of exercise!

Join the Fun!

So, mark your calendars for August 30, gather your friends and family, and get ready to run, walk, or cheer at this year’s Great Race! Whether you’re chasing after medals or just looking to soak in the community spirit, there’s something for everyone at this fantastic event!

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