If you’re looking for a great way to get some exercise, view a serene part of Scotts Valley up close and personal and support Scotts Valley High School Athletics, mark Sunday Oct. 25th on your calendar. That’s the date of the annual Bean Creek Run, sponsored by the Falcon Club at Scotts Valley High.
The five mile race, which serves as one of the biggest fundraisers of the year to support the Falcons’ Athletic programs, begins at the Scotts Valley Community Center at 8:30 a.m. sharp and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. The race course is on roads, (Bluebonnet Lane, Bean Creek Road & Glenwood Drive) the majority of which follows the windy, shady, tree lined and scenic Bean Creek Road, hence the name. The course features a slight incline at the start, leveling off to a beautiful run through the redwoods on the narrow yet well paved road. Don’t be surprised to see a deer or two along the way, along with horses and everything else Mother Nature has to offer. The last half mile on Bean Creek features a gradual climb so be prepared. The good news; once you hit Glenwood Drive, it’s virtually all downhill from there to the finish line at the high school.
And what a finish it will be! After cooling off, all participants will be treated to breakfast (bagels & cream cheese, fruit parfaits, orange juice & coffee) and receive gift bags including Bean Creek Run 2015 T-shirts. Medals will be awarded to the top two finishers in each category and winners will receive a four-pack of FitAid, produced by LifeAid Beverages, a loyal sponsor of the race for the past five years. To top things off, a shuttle system, sponsored by the local Enterprise Rent-A-Car, will transport runners and walkers back to their origination point at the Community Center.
A brief history shows that the Bean Creek Run originated back in the 1980’s, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Scotts Valley to support Scotts Valley schools. The race back then was a 10k (6.2 miles) and began and finished at Scotts Valley Middle School. The annual event grew to be a huge success with the last race held in 2004. After a seven year hiatus, the Falcon Club, in 2011, led in large part by Nancy Franich, re-ignited the race. Franich, still leading the charge today as Bean Creek Run Chairperson, is enthusiastic about this year’s race. “It’s been a small community event with about 95 runners each year, said Franich, whos is hopeful that they’ll be closer to 120 participants this year. “We’d really like to see this event grow.” Over the past four years, the race has raised approximately $14,000 towards Falcons’ Athletics with this year’s goal set at $3,600.
You can register for this year’s Bean Creek Run on-line at Active.com or pick up a registration form at ScottsValleyHigh School office and mail it. The cost is $30.00. The race will be held rain or shine.
Additional local sponsors of the 2015 Bean Creek Run include Lloyd’s Tire & Auto Care, Bay Federal Credit Union, ProBuild, Knox Roofing, Classic Hair and Compliant Equipment & Tractor.
