\nROTARY WILL HOLD THE 43RD ANNUAL GREAT RACE 8:30AM ON SUNDAY - APRIL 19\, 2020 \;
On April 19\, 2020\, the Rotary Club of Los Gatos will hold the \;43rd \;Annual Great Race\, a scenic footrace/walk from Saratoga to Los Gatos. Since 1978 this community event has taken participants from the South Bay and beyond \;4-miles down Highway 9 from Big Basin Way in Saratoga to N. Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos.
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Everyone is encouraged to participate and running clubs are excited that this race is now on the USATF Pacific Road Racing Grand Prix Schedule.
\nOver 1\,200 people are expected to participate.
Also we are continuing \;complimentary access to photos \;taken at the event by professional photographers. You will \;be able to download- at no cost- all individual and group photos and shots of you breaking away from the pack! Keep those cell phones in your pocket and let a professional take photos this year. This is a $20-$50 option at most races that is included to enhance your race experience.
\n\nThis fundraiser \;has become a tradition for locals and is great for racers\, joggers\, walkers and families. Special rate for families and children under \;12 and. Proceeds benefit local youth and charities Rotary supports. \;Also available this year at registration is a donation directly to \;Rotary'\;s Polio Eradication Initiative\, which began in 1988 and has reduced the cases of polio by over 99%. The goal is to wipe out Polio in the remaining 3 countries and we are "\;this close"\;. \;
\nThis race all started back in 1978 when Bill Glennon\, then the mayor of Saratoga\, suggested a race--a "\;Great Race"\;--between the neighboring communities - Los Gatos\, Monte Sereno and Saratoga. \;
\n\nMore than 1\,200 people \;are expected to participate \;in the \;the 43rd \;annual race Sunday April 19\, 2020--everyone from competitive runners to moms pushing strollers\, from children to senior citizens\, from those out for a challenging workout to others just hoping to enjoy the scenic jog down Highway 9.
\n\nParticipants will be able to download for \;FREE \;photos of themselves running and finishing the Great Race as well as any other photos taken on race day. \;Keep those cell phones in your pocket and let a professional take photos this year. This is a $20-$50 option at most races that is included to enhance your race experience.
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\nCourse\n\nA scenic footrace/walk down Highway 9 from Saratoga to Los Gatos. Whether you are looking for a great course for your best time\, or a fun individual or family run\, this is the event for you. The four-mile scenic route begins at Big Basin Way&mdash\;between Third and Fourth streets&mdash\;in Saratoga and follows ascending Highway 9 toward downtown Los Gatos for the finish on North Santa Cruz Avenue and Elm Street.
\n\nPlease note start time of 8:30AM.
\n\nThe event is great for runners\, joggers\, walkers and families. Please keep your pets at home. \;
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\nRegistration NOW open(click here)\n\n
See 2019 race results
\nSee 2019 free downloadable photographs by Facchino Photography
This is a $20-50 option at most races that is included to enhance your race experience. \;
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\nProceeds of this race provide financial support to Rotary \;charities &\; scholarship fund for local and international organizations. Rotary has been able to give $124\,000 in years past because of your support and participation in events like this. Approximately $40\,000 went directly to local high school seniors to help with higher education. \;
\nLos Gatos Rotary\n\nThe Los Gatos Rotary Club took over the race over 30 years ago. \;Rotary Club of Los \;Gatos was chartered in 1924 \;and has been dedicated to serving the local and world communities. \;The \;mission \;of \;Rotary \;International is to provide service to others\, promote integrity\, and advance world understanding\, goodwill\, and peace through its fellowship of business\, professional\, and community leaders. \;
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\nThis race is a fundraiser and all proceeds benefit Rotary'\;s n0n-profit charities and student scholarship fund. \;Last year Rotary was \;able \;to award over $40\,000 to high school seniors in our community. \;
\nFun &\; fitness fair including awards for each age category\n\nPlease stay after the race at the Fun &\; Fitness Fair to receive a medal for top 3 finishers in each age group\, as well as enjoy jumpy house\, \;food\, massage therapists and other local businesses. If you would like to be a vendor at the Fun &\; Fitness Fair\, please contact race director.
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\nTop 3 racers from each age group will receive an medal to wear proudly around their neck. \;
\nParking &\; shuttle bus schedule\n\nShuttles \;will be provided in Los Gatos from 6:45-8:00 AM to bring 4-mile runners to the starting line in Saratoga. The buses will be leaving from the parking lot on Grays Lane just north of University Avenue.
\n\nSweat truck: \;Leave your sweats on the bus or at the starting line in Saratoga and pick them up at the Fun &\; Fitness Fair in Los Gatos. \;We recommend catching the shuttle bus earlier rather than later to prevent bottlenecks and missing the starting time. Last bus will leave 8am.
\n\n\nSign up to be a Sponsors - we can not hold this race without your support!\n\n.jpeg)
\;Thanks to Sereno for being our presenting sponsor for more than 10 years