Flower power
Run to raise funds for education
FUN CAUSE The 34th annual Wildflower Run on March 26, 2017 supports education for women and girls.
Photo: Susan Brazelton
Since 1983 the Wildflower Run has been fundraising to support the education of women. Former director Elizabeth Mandel is in charge of publicity this year and says she’s been living and breathing this event every winter for the past seven.
“We raise close to $50,000 a year for scholarships for women and girls,” says Mandel. “From our organization’s perspective, it’s a way of being very engaged in the community.”
Chartered in 1981, the Morgan Hill chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW) joined the century-old national organization to address social, educational, political and economic issues affecting women.
With 1,200 runners and walkers in events ranging from a 5K for parents pushing strollers to a Kids’ 2K, a 5K walk, a 5K run, a 10K run, and a senior 2K, the Run brings the community together with events for all ages.
“The separate stroller event is somewhat unique in the Bay Area and extremely popular with both men and women,” says Mandel. “We give awards for both the top men and the top women in this category.”
But the Wildflower Run isn’t just for casual walkers and runners—the 10K is a USA Track and Field certified course.
“It’s a type of course that a serious runner will look for,” says Mandel.
The Run includes a Finish Fest that provides fun attractions for kids, including face painting and science activities.
Sign up for the 34th Annual Wildflower Run on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at WildflowerRun.org.
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