Motivated To Help Kids, San Rafael Man Wins Jingle Bells 5K

MILL VALLEY, CA —Sergio Higareda was competing for something bigger than himself on Sunday, and that turned out to be all the motivation he’d need.

The 47-year-old San Rafael man won the annual Jingle Bells 5K Run in Sausalito amid persistent rain and high winds.

The former San Rafael High School cross country runner ran the annual Dipsea-run race in 18:57.

The race benefits Dipsea Kidz, a youth development program run by the storied Mill Valley race for which Higareda serves as a volunteer.

“I was trying to win for the Dipsea Kidz. This was for the organization,” Higareda said.
“These kids are our future.”

Marin County supervisor and California State Assembly candidate Damon Connolly was among the field of 104 runners who started the race.

Another Marin runner, Noah Lang, 38, finished second.

Ellery Barnes, a 15-year-old Tamalpais High School sophomore, placed third overall and led all female runners.

Liz McMillan, 42, was the second female finisher.

Brothers Raul, David, and Alex Grijalba plus Warren Blanco and Davis Fulton – all members of the Dipsea Kidz – placed in the Top 10.

The Dipsea Kidz is a youth development program available to students at Bayside MLK Academy in Sausalito and Venetia Valley School in San Rafael at no cost.

The program is coached by experienced and dedicated coaches.

The program teaches students about proper warm up, efficient running form and healthy nutritional options, as well as other training related specifics.

Participants in the program meet two days weekly after school throughout the school calendar year. Students range from grades four through eight.