The 2013 Run for Amma was a huge success, due to the tireless commitment from our volunteers and runners. Running 47 miles from the beach near Santa Cruz to Sunnyvale via mountain trails through the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains was an incredible experience (and challenge) – but it took a lot of work on the part of countless volunteers to make this happen.
Starting out at 03:45am, with Kim Espat, we picked up our first volunteer at 4:00am on the way to Santa Cruz – Klaus Klein. Klaus dropped us off at the beach at 05:00am to start the run. Our next set of volunteers (Peter Hargreaves, Penny Beeston and Peggy Alred) from the Steven Creek Striders running club met us at Big Basin Park at 07:00. Rolling aid station support was provided at key points on the climb up to Saratoga Gap (mile 25).
The run from Saratoga Gap climbed up Table Mountain and Black Mountain, before dropping down into Silicon Valley and the finish in Sunnyvale. Aid stations were set up at the top of Black Mountain (closest road was 1.7mi away) and in Rancho San Antonio Park. Friends hiked in to take photos along the trail and others were ferrying runners to and from meeting points along the route. A total of 17 pacers joined in along the 47mi route and 10 volunteers helped to man the aid stations along the way.
Thanks to everyone who made this run a reality. Your contribution of time and effort will help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
