GONZALES — A health-conscious group of runners and walkers took to the streets for the Gonzales Rotary Fun Run on the Fourth of July at Central Park.
Many of the nearly 100 participants gathered over half an hour before the 8 a.m. start time to prepare for the race and celebrate the holiday.
Gigi Kiama of Salinas, a regular at local road races and beyond, enjoyed her running experience in Gonzales.
“I really enjoyed the run,” Kiama said. “Everyone looked happy and it was a good way to start the holiday.”
This year’s sponsor for the July 4 event was the Gonzales Rotary Club. The club provided T-shirts and custom medals to every runner and walker that crossed the finish line.
Margie Daniels, athletic director and cross country and track and field coach for Gonzales High School, was a contributor on the Fun Run committee. She ran the course with her almost 2-year-old son CJ in his stroller.
“Everything was super-efficient and it was indeed fun,” Daniels said. “I saw lots of people excited for their medals, and they were happy to be able to see their finishing times a short while after receiving medals.”
The race, which was just under three miles long, began at 8 a.m. and finished on the corner of Sixth and Center streets in almost perfect running conditions.
Elijah Melchor of Soledad had the fastest time of men’s runners over 18 years old, and Ashley Ochoa of Salinas was the fastest women’s runner. Melchor ran the race in 15:47 and Ochoa finished in a time of 18:24.
The under 18 boys’ race winner was Davis Pisoni of Gonzales, and the under 18 girls’ winner was Adriel Lambert of Gonzales. Pisoni had a time of 15:42 and Lambert finished in a time of 22:06.
Gonzales resident and race participant Mark Pisoni was pleased that the road race took place this Fourth of July.
“Big thanks to the volunteer team this morning,” he said. “They put on a very fun, family-friendly, community event.”
