KING CITY — Participants from all corners of Monterey County and beyond were on hand April 8 at the second annual Rabbit Run, presented by Rotary Club of King City at the San Bernabe Visitor’s Center off Oasis Road south of King City.
The new location, held at the vineyard, proved to be popular with this year’s 115 runners and walkers, as well as the many spectators and volunteers present. The 2023 race included courses for a 5K (3.1-mile) run/walk and a 1-mile fun run.
Following the Saturday morning run, participants were treated to generous post-race snacks donated by Taylor Farms, while people that were 21 and older were able to leisurely taste Diora wines made from the nearby vineyards and by race committee volunteer James Ewart.
“Entries and sponsorships for this year’s community fun run were up over last year, and all the net proceeds from the Rabbit Run will go toward high school scholarships,” said TJ Plew-Hearne, event committee member.
Finishers received a commemorative ribbon, goodie bag and T-shirt. Age group winners received colorful rosettes celebrating their accomplishments. In addition to the rosette, 5K age group winners, received home-baked carrot cakes made by local bakers.
Race winners in the 2023 Rotary Rabbit Run are as follows:
- 5K Overall Men: Rafael Vasquez Jr., 15, 1st place; Izaiah Valencia Mendonza, 14, 2nd place; Dylan Perez, 28, 3rd place;
- 5K Overall Women: Emily Cole, 34, 1st place; Kristina Hill, 35, 2nd place; Maria Aguilera, 50, 3rd place;
- 1 Mile Fun Run Youth Boy: Caleb Saldana, 9, 1st place; Emmanuel Hernandez, 9, 2nd place; Jayson Bautista, 12, 3rd place;
- 1 Mile Fun Run Youth Girl: Aaliyah Briseno, 11, 1st place; Lily Valdez, 11, 2nd place; Jayleen Bautista, 8, 3rd place;
- 1 Mile Fun Run Teen Boy: Sebastian Torres, 13, 1st place; Derek Garcia, 14, 2nd place; Arlo Perez, 13, 3rd place; and
- 1 Mile Fun Run Teen Girl: Carolina Orozco, 16, 1st place.
“Rotary Club of King City is grateful for the support of local businesses that have sponsored or donated to ensure the success of the event,” Plew-Hearne said.
Businesses supporting the Rabbit Run 5K include: Delicato, Mee Memorial Hospital, Bengard Insurance and Real Estate, Monterey Wine Company, Nino Homes, Borzini CPA, Ace Hardware, Gourley Financial, Kasey’s Fitness Academy, Monterey Salinas Transit, King City Cinemas, LA Hearne, Mechanic’s Bank, Triangle Farms, Creekside Farms, Nancy Nino, Paulette Bumblaough, S.E. King Bookkeeping, Los Vaqueros Traveling Band, 1st Capital Bank, Safeway, Farmers Insurance, Starbucks, Taylor Farms and Casey Printing.
Contact Plew-Hearne at Ki**************@gm***.com or call 916-257-2502 to learn more about participating, volunteering or what is needed to ensure the success of next year’s Rabbit Run, to be held Saturday, March 30, 2024.
To view the entire 2023 race results, visit webscorer.com/race?raceid=310954.
