With spring in the air, many of us are ready to get back to outside activities. A few Scott Valley residents did not let the rain separate them from what they have become passionate about—running. The feelings you get from running are simple and fun and have minimal requirements.
Todd Hoffman is one of Scotts Valley's residents who will run the Santa Cruz Half Marathon on Sunday. It will be the first time for him to run the 13.1-mile course. Ten years ago, Hoffman’s doctors told him he’d never run again after a work-related injury, but last year, he and his son, Trevor, ran the 10K Wharf to Wharf in Capitola.
“It felt so good to finish,” Hoffman said. “My back always hurts, but I will not let it stop me from running.”
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Hoffman committed to run the half marathon months ago. The course begins along West Cliff Drive and heads through strawberry fields with incredible views of the ocean from the bluffs.
“The key to success is to start slow and build up your distance,” Hoffman said.
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He says he runs for three reasons: It’s a great stress reliever, it’s good exercise and it’s fun.
Dana Geringer, a Scotts Valley mother of three, will also run the Santa Cruz Half Marathon. Sunday’s race is preparation for her to participate in the San Diego Marathon (26.2 miles) on June 5. Geringer is a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. She has a regular training schedule and will run the marathon in honor of Emilie Erickson. Emilie, a fifth-grader at Baymonte Christian School, was diagnosed with leukemia last year, and her cancer is in remission.
“I’ve never run a marathon, but I enjoy running and chose this cause, because it's close to home,” Geringer said.
To view Geringer’s LLS home page, visit pages.teamintraining.org/sj/rnr11/dgeringer.
"The ultimate finish line is a cure,” she said. “I run for the fun of it. Running brings me to a place where I can let go of all emotion.”
If you are looking for something a little less challenging, consider these upcoming local Run/Walk events.
Bean Creek 5-mile Run/Walk—Sunday, May 1
The Scotts Valley Falcon Club will sponsor this new event to raise money for the high school’s athletic fields. The race will begin at the Scotts Valley Community Center at 8:30 a.m. and finish at Scotts Valley High School. The 5-mile run is scenic, with numerous groves of soaring redwoods to view on the course. The kids will have a chance to run around the track. For more information and registration links, visit falcom.org/ or active.com
Join the fun to support your local Falcon sports.
Walking on Sunshine – Sunday, May 15
This local walk is a great family event you won’t want to miss. The annual Walking on Sunshine event will take place at Sky Park from 2-7 p.m. This is the second year Brook Knoll and Vine Hill elementary schools will work together for a great cause. Students will raise money for their schools by collecting pledges for the miles they walk. While details are still in the planning stages, the plans are to have a barbecue with a local band after the walk.
"This is a fabulous event,” Scotts Valley resident Lisa Edeleman said. “We want to encourage the community to come out for a fun-filled afternoon.”
Check your local school websites for updates.
Spring and summer is just the beginning of what will be a long outdoor season for runners and walkers.
