The Rotary Club of Pleasanton Spirit Run. The 2008 event will be held on June 15, 2008. Click here for more information on the event or click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

"The Spirit Run," originally known as ACT II (Arroyo Centennial Trails Run), began in 1994 as part of the Pleasanton Heritage Days and was organized by the Centennial Committee.

Still organized by the Centennial Committee, in 1996, the name of the race was changed to the Pleasanton Spirit Run. A children's race, called the Guppy Race, was added in 1996. That year there were 861 runners and 85 "guppies". Carnival events like fishing for plastic whales in wading pools were added for the children and a carbo-load dinner was hosted the night before. The purpose of the Spirit Run was to raise money for scholarships and grants to go directly back to Pleasanton children of all grade levels. The run was designed to foster family involvement. The course was designed to feature several of Pleasanton's natural assets and landmarks while allowing runners of all ages to participate.

In 1997, the Rotary Club of Pleasanton, which had been a sponsor in prior years, took over management of the event.

Sunday, June 7, 1998, the name of the run was changed to "The Rotary Club of Pleasanton Spirit Run." At that time, the financial operations of the event were transferred from the Rotary Club's operating account and put under the jurisdiction of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton Education Foundation, which is a 501C3 tax-exempt entity. The foundation distributes scholarships to graduating seniors at Pleasanton high schools. In the spring of each year, a committee of Rotarians interviews students from Foothill, Amador, Village and Horizon High Schools. Based on the criteria of financial need and excellence, scholarships are awarded to students from all four schools.

All club members are expected to work at the Spirit Run, so there is no cost for labor for running the event. Because of this volunteer effort, historically, almost 100% of the sponsorship money collected is able to go into the foundation to be distributed to Pleasanton students.

Prior to the year 2000, the Spirit Run was always held on the first Sunday in June. Because of a scheduling conflict with a major organization, we were not able to run through the Fairgrounds that first Sunday in June. The next available date was the third Sunday in June. So in 2000 the date was changed to occur on Father's Day.

The decision was made to keep the race on Father's Day and promote it as such. It was a great family day event, with fathers, sons and daughters running side by side. 2001 also evidenced an increase in running strollers with a numbered participant enjoying this family event.

Over the last 9 years, the race has brought in $373,000 in sponsorships and $173,000 in registration fees. Approximately $256,000 net has been raised and transferred to the Pleasanton Education Foundation for scholarship distribution.

We're looking forward to another successful event this year and hope to see many of you returning to enjoy this fun filled, family run!