Palo Altans Run Great Race for Saving Water

Besides earthquakes, Californians have another major worry—droughts and wildfires.

To encourage Palo Altans to consider conserving water, the City of Palo Alto Utilities department sponsored the 5K Great Race for Saving Water on Saturday, April 27. More than 230 participants of all ages heeded the message about the importance of water conservation particularly in a year when there has been very little rainfall, according to Cal Fire.

Kicking off the event, which took place out in the Baylands, was Vice-Mayor Nancy Shepherd and Phillip Reid, men’s cross country runner on the Olympic Team USA stopped by to inspire the participants. City Manager Jim Keene ran, inspite of a collapsed lung.

But the city officials were more impressed by the kids who "not only run the race," but also reminded "all in attendance that taking care of our water resources today is a gift to the next generation," the statement continued.

Race co-sponsors were the Tuolumne River Trust, Santa Clara Valley Water District to Canopy and the Sierra Club.

Music entertained and encouraged runners along the route and there was even a "bike tune-up" station for the cyclists.

The Top Five Racers finishers were:

1. #205: Neville Davey at 15 mins 55 seconds
2. #234: Elliot Wright at 17 mins 44 seconds
3. #206: Heather Tanner at18 mins 13 seconds
4. #65: Samuel Erickson at19 mins 11 seconds
5. #81: Jose Antonio Fernandez-Divar 19 minutes 18 second

"What better way to end a week of Earth Day celebration than honoring the substance covering 75% of the planet?" the press statement concluded.

More on Palo Alto Patch:

• Why Paly and Gunn Didn't Make the U.S. News Ranking
• Santa Clara County Migration: Where Do Residents Come From and Move to?
• Four Men Facing Real Estate and Conspiracy Charges
• Silicon Valley Restaurant Week Kicks Off in Palo Alto

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