Avid runners and casual walkers alike flocked to Pleasanton Middle School on Sunday, April 19th, for PPIE’s 14th annual Run for Education. Pleasanton’s connectedness stood out as community members came together to support local schools.
“I would say the Pleasanton community really shines by coming together to support a lot of the big events that we do. This is one of the biggest that touches all the schools and the education, and so we have volunteers from all aspects, from the high schools, from the middle schools, from boys team charity, from [the] National Charity League, and everyone just kind of comes together to support this whole event,” said volunteer Erin Watson.
New Course
While the race previously started at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, this year the Run started at Pleasanton Middle School directly in front of its brand new track.
“We wanted to show off the beautiful new facility paid for by the voter-approved I-1 bond measure. The new track and blacktop area at PMS felt like the perfect location to do that,” said PPIE Executive Director Andrea Wilson.
Switching the main event location allowed PPIE to save costs while offering runners a different course compared to prior years.
“We were able to save money [by switching locations], allowing more money to go back to our schools. And, it lets us use a fresh course, which many runners enjoy,” said Wilson.
With a new course and starting location, there were learning curves, but the race went well overall. PPIE plans to continue holding the race there in future years.
“The first year somewhere new always presents new obstacles, so we learned from them and will continue to improve…But we will look to continue to use PMS as the host site going forward, although the route may change again next year,” said Wilson.
Pre-race Preparations
With roughly 2,000 participants in recent years, the course needs to accommodate large crowds to ensure a smooth race day. Preparing for an event as large as the PPIE Run requires extensive time and planning.
“We start in the fall with our T-shirt contest for students and securing our locations. Overall event planning then begins early in December. It takes about 4 solid months of planning and organizing to get everything to come together,” said Wilson.
Several sponsors and countless volunteers make the Run possible every year. Organizing the race not only involves creating course maps but also coordination with sponsors, volunteers, and numerous other community members.
“This event takes so many pieces and parts to make it happen. One is making sure to think through all the logistics: set up, course maps, the kids’ challenge, etc. It also takes coordinating hundreds of volunteers, sourcing food, and making sure to order materials (things like the medals and T-shirts). Another big piece is getting sponsors and coordinating with them. The event also takes a lot of communication and marketing to get people to sign up,” said Wilson.
A Celebration of Community and Education
Since 2013, PPIE’s Run for Education has changed throughout the years, though one thing remains constant. Pleasanton’s community is eager to give back to its schools. The Run typically raises around $75,000 to $115,000, which go to the Pleasanton Unified School District in support of 16 public schools, 13,000 students, and thousands of families.
“I’ve actually been doing this run, helping for 14 years… The first year it ever ran, it was over at Ken Mercer Sports Park. And then it came downtown out of the Alameda County Fairgrounds, and then it headed over to PMS this year for the first time. And I will say the Run has definitely gotten bigger, more people, more support from the schools. Having the competition at the schools to see how many people can enroll [in the Run] has been great,” said Watson.
The event drew in many Amador Valley students, staff members, and parents who both participated and volunteered for the event.
“Everybody is there for the same reason: to help the school. And I think that just brings people together, because even if you like running, or not, or you’re super fast, or super slow, if you’re walking, or you’re with family, or you’re with friends…everybody’s just there to have fun, and support the schools,” said participant Klara Grant (‘26).
Designed for all ages, the race had multiple distances, giving participants the option between a 5K,10K, 2-mile, and a kids’ challenge.
“I always run the PPIE Run for Education…It helps our district, and it helps our schools. It’s the thing that I do as the track coach… And so it’s a fun event, and, you know, it benefits all of our programs. It’s a cool thing that PPIE puts together. And it’s right up my alley for things that I like to do,” said 10k winner and head track coach Jason Oswalt.
Cross County Connection
Bringing in friendly competition, the Run offered a place for community members to reconnect and have fun.
“I was surprised when I got there that one of the people there was Euan Houston. I coached [him], and he was one of our better two milers that we’ve had. And I figured he’s 22 years old, and he would be fit enough. He ran for Cal Poly, and [I thought] he’d probably beat me,” said Oswalt.
Many participants return to the race every year, viewing it as a positive way to give back to the Pleasanton community.
“I’ve run it every year of high school so far. I started freshman year, just because my family was doing it, and I wanted to participate because my mom is a teacher in PUSD. But I just continued because it’s fun, and I like the, like, vibe to it. Everybody always has a great time, and it gives back to the school, so it’s for a good cause,” said Grant.
