Email  Print

Runners offer challenge grant for Annadel

The Annadel Half Marathon has initiated a challenge grant of $20,000 to help support Sonoma County Regional Parks in its plans to operate Annadel State Park, said Matt Schiffer, a member of the Annadel Half Marathon planning committee.

Schiffer’s announcement comes on the heels of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors’ approval for Regional Parks to begin negotiations to assume responsibility for Annadel beginning July 1.

“Members of Sonoma County’s running community are passionate about this amazing park,” said Marc Strozyk, a founder of the Half Marathon and fellow planning committee member. “It’s a beautiful and varied place to run and train, and we want to do our part to ensure that Annadel remains open and well maintained for the enjoyment of everyone in the Santa Rosa community for many years into the future.”

The Annadel Half Marathon is partnering with the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation and the Parks Alliance for Sonoma County on the challenge grant. Donations can be made online at www.sonomacounty.org/parks/foundation or by mailing a check to Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, 2300 County Center Drive, Suite 120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Donors should specify that the contribution is for Annadel. The challenge grant runs through July 1.

Since its inception just two years ago, the Annadel Half Marathon has raised approximately $50,000 for Annadel State Park. Race organizers are hoping to raise another $50,000 this year.

The 13.1-mile race is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most scenic and challenging trail half marathons west of the Rockies. It will be held in conjunction with Kathy’s Race 5k on Saturday, April 14. Registration, which is capped at 400 and is expected to sell out, can be completed at annadelhalf.com.

The Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds, fostering partnerships and advocating in support of Sonoma County Regional Parks. The foundation is funded primarily through support by individuals, groups and businesses committed to the preservation and growth of the County parks system.