Modbee.com | Local -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 9/26/2002
Last Visited: 9/26/2002
"We have to come up with a safer route for the runners," said Bruce Edwards, a Riverbank High School cross-country coach who has managed the fun run for 17 years.
"We don't believe we can go down the middle of the festival anymore.There are too many objects in the way.If someone gets hurt, we get a lawsuit."
Although no one recalls many injuries in the past, the traditional route had its potential perils.
...
Edwards said alumni of the Riverbank High cross-country team held the activity to promote the joy of running, and it has raised anywhere from $100 to $2,000 each year for the high school team.
He said changes are needed to make the run profitable again.
"Race numbers have gone down," he said."We've gone from 300 (participants) to the low 200s.Last year, we did not even have 100 people in the 10K race."
Although chamber officials said the fun run will return next year, Edwards said his group is still deciding whether to be involved.
"I think we will look at what happens at the end of this year and see what the public comment is," he said."And we will see if we can run a safe race for the public."