KING CITY — King City Rotary Club hosted the fourth annual Rabbit Run — a fundraiser for its high school scholarship fund — on Saturday off Oasis Road in King City.
The July 12 event welcomed 107 runners and walkers on an exciting route through the San Bernabe Vineyard estate of Delicato Family Wines. A team of dedicated volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly, with support from Mee Memorial providing medical attention and course marshals from Sun Street Centers, King City High School Interact Club and King City Rotarians guiding participants along the way.
The 5K race saw impressive performances from both seasoned and new runners. Ivan Diaz was the top overall and top male finisher, while Natalie Almorade was the top female runner.
Top male 5K runners in their respective age categories included: Dylan Perez, Tom Burns, Darrell Stanaford, Kent Robinson and Jon Olson. The top female 5K runners were: Darleen Espinoza, Chelsea Morales, Laura Guzman, Tisha Gozzelino, Julie Garcia and Karen Park.
In the 1-mile fun run, youth participants took the top spots. Joandy Fagoaga captured first place overall, with Jayleen Bautista taking the top female spot. The top adult finishers for the mile were Blanca Salazar and Tim Hearne.
This year’s race also featured a new addition, the 100-yard dash for ages 6 and under. Layla Arbrun was the overall winner, and Layton Barbree was the top boy in his category.
“Our new 100-yard dash, for ages 6 and under, was a fantastic addition, making our race more inclusive for the entire family,” said Race Director TJ Plew-Hearne. “It’s a great way to inspire our youngest runners and get them started on a path toward a healthy lifestyle.”
All 83 runners on the 5K course and 20 participants in the 1-mile course received custom 2025 Rabbit Run T-shirts and a finisher medal. The top male and female runners in the six different age categories received the traditional prize of Rabbit Run carrot cakes, generously donated by bakers Anne Olson, Suzanne Krause, Paulette Bumbalough and Susan King.
After the race, a variety of treats awaited participants. Fresh fruit and pastries donated by Safeway of King City and baked goods by Lynnie Oliveria were available to all. For the third year in a row, Delicato Family Wines hosted a popular wine-tasting table for adult participants, providing a delightful opportunity for everyone to celebrate their achievements.
“There’s something special about running through the vineyard, then returning to the finish line to toast your achievement with a glass of wine made from those very grapes. It’s a wonderful way to taste the fruits of our labor, both on the course and in the glass,” Plew-Hearne said.
The event’s proceeds will support the King City Rotary Club Foundation scholarship program, which has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to King City High School graduates to date. The 2025 award recipients are Joaquin Arriaga, Hayden Munoz, Alicia Granados, Amity Hearne, Grace Hearne and Samuel Hearne.
The 2025 Rabbit Run was made possible by support from various sponsors, including Taylor Farms, Vertis, Mee Memorial, Delicato Family Wines, Gourley Financial, Borzini Accounting, Casey Printing, LA Hearne Company, West Coast Community Bank, Lynnie O Real Estate, King City Cinemas and Safeway – King City. The Rotary Club gave thanks to the employees of Delicato Winery in King City for hosting the event and the Delicato family for their continued support.
“We are grateful for our sponsors that make the Rabbit Run possible. Our committee pours its energy into this event because we truly believe in the healing power of movement and the magic of a community coming together,” Plew-Hearne said. “The stunning backdrop of the Salinas Valley simply makes it even more special. We are excited to start planning for the 2026 Rabbit Run.”
