Pasadena City College 5K Run Celebrates 25th Year
By Pasadena Independent
Published: Friday, July 31st, 2009
Thirsty work for runners
Beacon Media along with Pasadena Forward, organizer of the Pasadena Marathon collaborated with Pasadena City College to present the 25th annual running of the Pasadena City College 5K Run Benefiting the Community Education Center last Saturday.
Runners were prepared for a hot morning and mother nature obliged with warmer than average temps making the last phase of the race a bit tough on some. Luckily Sovereign Grace Church of Pasadena provided cold water for participants at the finish line.
Despite the city ordinance that refuses to allow any amplified noise before 8AM on Saturdays at the Rose Bowl, organizers managed to herd the 700 plus people to the starting line shortly after the projected starting time of 7AM. Use of bull horns would have been greatly appreciated by those waiting in the long lines for the bathrooms that were actually not even open when many runners arrived to register for the race.
However, it is all “water under the bridge” according to one runner who said it was part of the fun of dealing with a not-for-profit event.
Runners ranged in age considerably from tiny tots with their moms to senior citizens.
Thom Gastelum, Beacon Media Production Director, a first time 5 K runner said “it was harder than I thought…I had five -year -olds passing me!” His friend Katie Wazdatskey who is a veteran runner ( well , 3 runs already to her credit) said she finished in 35 minutes. Thom’s time was around 23 minutes.
Not bad really when you consider the winner was around 17 minutes.
Union Station Homeless Services was also on hand at the PCC 5K Finish Line Festival to collect donations of new adult undergarments and socks in any size. These donations will assist Union Station in its efforts to aid homeless and very low-income individuals and families.
Mayor Bill Bogaard was on hand for the award ceremonies and pledged his support for the Community Education Center which is the main beneficiary of the race.
The Community Education Center division comprises 12 major program areas with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students each semester. The division includes noncredit classes or programs that are in the following categories: general studies, technology, business, classes for adults/older adults, Foster Care, Parent Education, Cosmetology, and support services for credit and noncredit students.
The majority of our students are working adults, from 18 to 65 and older. Our largest enrollment is in ESL, followed by Parent Education, High School Diploma Program, Vocational Programs, Civic courses, and Adult Basic Education courses respectively.
The Community Education Center provides students with vocational training for entry level positions in a variety of occupations. Concurrent credit/no credit vocational courses are also available. Off-Campus Classes which provide for lifelong learning opportunities through noncredit instruction in the areas of acculturation, socialization, parenting, enrichment, and skill development leading toward personal fulfillment and greater involvement in the community are also offered. These courses consist of parent education (including foster parenting), classes for seniors and convalescents, and functional living for developmentally disabled adults. The classes are held at various sites throughout the district.
Pasadena Forward is a nonprofit organization established to promote and support the growth of charitable, civic and education-advancing organizations in the City of Pasadena. Pasadena Forward enables these groups to focus on developing and expanding their programs and growing their support base by providing organizational and back-office services.
Pasadena Forward’s funding comes largely from the Pasadena Marathon as well as from direct charitable contributions.
For complete race results see: http://www.pcc5k.org/
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