It may be sunny this weekend, it may be raining. Or it may even be cold and overcast.
But regardless of the weather conditions, runners will hit the streets for the 22nd running of the annual Great Race, sponsored by the Los Gatos Rotary Club.
Runners will toe the starting line at 9 a.m. in Saratoga for the four-mile run to Los Gatos. Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m., and the fee is $25 (including a race T-shirt).
Bobbie Palmer is the defending Great Race champion. He outsprinted former champ Kendrick Sealy to the finish line last year, winning by just a second.
Ben Turman, the 1997 Great Race winner, was third.
Nearly 3,000 runners were entered in the popular local race, and more than 2,200 of the starters reached the finish line.
Barbara Acosta defended her title in the women's division. The 40-year-old Acosta, who also won the Great Race in 1997, finished almost a minute ahead of her nearest rival.
Wedemeyer Gala
The first Charlie Wedemeyer Celebration Gala, honoring outstanding Bay Area high school seniors, will be held May 20, 6 p.m., in the Imperial Ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel.
Special guests for the evening event include Peggy Fleming, Jan Hutchins, Michael Nouri and John Ralston.
Scholarships of $1,000 each will be presented to college-bound athletes who have overcome adversity or challenge and who have demonstrated a positive attitude in helping others.
For more information on the event, call Pam Dunnett (867-2546), Reiko Iwanaga (867-4525), Roger F. Reedy (980-9555, ext. 28) or Carri Wedemeyer (358-4784).
Track Clinic
A track and field rules and officials clinic will be held Feb. 27, 9 a.m., at Los Gatos High School. The cost is $25 ($20 before Feb. 19). For more information, call Rick Milam at 241-6578.
All-Comers Meets
Los Gatos will host a series of all-comers track and field meets on Saturdays, 12:30 p.m., through Feb. 27. Athletes will compete in open, masters men, women's, boys and girls divisions. The cost is $3 for athletes and $2 for spectators. Proceeds go toward track resurfacing at the high school. For more information, call Willie Harmatz at 354-7365.
Saratoga, California Since 1975
