The 28th annual Moonlight Run and Walk is scheduled to be held at the Baylands Municipal Center on Friday, Sept. 28. Families and serious runners alike will have the opportunity to participate in the annual charitable event. For just $25, Paly students can partake in the event that attracts nearly 4,000 from around the Bay Area. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund, a holiday-giving fund that benefits non-profits in the Bay Area, according to Palo Alto Online.
What started as small community event in 1984 organized through a joint effort between the Palo Alto Weekly newspaper and the City of Palo Alto recreation department has turned into one of the largest recreation events in the Bay Area, with more people coming every year.
Participants will be able to walk a five kilometer course, run a ten kilometer course, or run a five kilometer course beginning at 7:00 p.m., 8:15 p.m., and 8:45 p.m., respectively.
Senior Kevin Lavelle will be running the five kilometer course this year. It is his fourth year participating.
“It’s special because we can run in the dark,” Lavelle said. “I like the opportunity to have a lot of fun with the race, and not have to worry too much about how well we race.”
The race will start at the parking lot next to the baseball field at the municipal center before the golf course off of Embarcadero Road and will continue through the baylands preserve area, providing a night view of the Palo Alto municipal airport, the golf course and more.
In addition, participants may order a t-shirt before the race. There is also a warm-up area on the baseball field, complete with a portable rock climbing wall and complimentary food from event sponsors such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s and Arrowhead.
“There are a bunch of restaurants that show up to showcase themselves,” Lavelle said.
Whether one is walking with family, running with friends, or both, the Moonlight run offers an opportunity to have fun with other community members and help donate to charity. Last year, 55 organizations throughout the Bay Area received a total of about $353,000 in donations from the event, according to Palo Alto Online.
“Although runners do not have a say in which charities [the money] is used in, I still like it because it gives us an opportunity to do something fun and a little different while still helping out others,” Lavelle said.
One can still sign up before the race at the Municipal Center on the day of the event. Flashlights are recommended, and race results will be posted on PaloAltoOnline.com at 11 p.m. on Friday the 28th.
