More than 1,000 runners graced the Davis Commons Monday morning for the 17th Annual Golden Valley Harriers Club Labor Day Race, including some Dixon residents.
Dixon students, parents and community members participated in the 10k, 5k, and the kids' 1K races, many of them competing for the first time.
"We are so very proud of these kids," Dixon Montessori Charter School Running Club Coach Darin Drumheller said. "We started this running club a few weeks ago and are so happy with the enthusiasm and turn out of more than 50, K-8 students."
Drumheller and co-coach Maggie Vieira led approximately 20 of DMCS and CA Jacobs students through the 5k and 1k courses. There were also many parents who ran the courses with the team, encouraging their children along the way.
The Dixon High cross country team was also in attendance. Team members volunteer at the race each year, handing out refreshments, guiding racers through the maps, and providing general race assistance.
GVH teamed up with the Change of Pace Foundation this year, becoming part of the NorCal Tour de FIT Series, Part Deux. This Labor Day race was the first of the four race series, followed by Oktobrewfest (Oct. 13), Clarksburg Country Run (Nov.11), Davis Turkey Trot (Nov. 17).
GVH Race Director John Burmester said they exceeded they expected number of entries and had to order extra race bibs this year.
"We are really in a running boom. More people than ever are getting fit by running and racing. Teaming with Change of Pace and having great sponsors like PG&E and Whole Foods has been wonderful," Burmester said.
He encourages racers and parents of racers to keep training fun. "Encourage your kids, they should have a good time running so that they keep with it."
Golden Valley Harriers is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting running in the community. They meet three times a week for workouts. Runs start and finish at Fleet Feet Sports, 615 2nd Street in Davis. Anyone 18 & over is welcome to run.
This Labor Day race is a major fundraiser for local school and community running programs, donating more than $12,000 annually to the Davis schools.
To find out about future Tour de FIT races, visit changeofpace.com.
