Otter Run takes off from Oak Knoll School Otter Run takes off from Oak Knoll School (May 25, 2005)

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Runners, walkers, joggers and tiny tots in jog strollers will take off from Menlo Park's Oak Knoll School on Sunday, June 5, when the 11th annual "Otter Run" moves along the neighborhood's oak-shaded streets.

Named after the K-5 school's mascot "Ollie the Otter," the Otter Run has grown to an event with more than 1,000 participants from its beginnings as a "fun-run" organized by a small group of Oak Knoll parents 11 years ago.

The run, open to all ages, is a benefit for Oak Knoll School and is sponsored by the Oak Knoll Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Proceeds from this year's run will fund enhancements to the school's playground.

Warm-ups begin at 8 a.m. Sunday at the school, located at 1895 Oak Knoll Lane. The run starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs along a 1.5-mile loop through residential streets in the Oak Knoll neighborhood. For more serious runners and walkers, there's 5 K (double-loop) event. No bikes, skaters or dogs are permitted.

All participants age 12 and under, will receive ribbons. Medals will be awarded to winners in age categories.

Participants may sign up for the event in the school office at Oak Knoll or by going online to active.com. Early registration deadline is Friday, May 27. The fees are $20 for adults and $10 for students, age 18 and under.

After the early deadline, fees go up $5 for each category. The registration fee covers an Otter Run T-shirt.

A smorgasbord of post-race treats will be waiting at the finish line.

Event co-chairs are Jodi Scherba, Carol Shelton and Katie Ferguson.

More than $30,000 in sponsorships has been raised so far, and more than 30 families are participating as sponsors at the $250 level. Business sponsors include Laurel Homes, Redpoint Ventures, Postini and Electromatic Inc.

For information, call the race hotline at 322-7654.
E-mail Marjorie Mader at mmader@AlmanacNews.com

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