SAINTS RUN 5K raises funds and honors esteemed alum

The St. AnthonyrnHigh School SAINTS RUN 5K 2018 kicked off in Shoreline Aquatic Park at 8 a.m.rnon Saturday, March 10. This year, the event raised more than $80,000 forrnscholarships for SAHS students, and drew more than 1,200 participants and guests,rncoloring the shoreline purple.

In its ninthrnyear, the SAINTS RUN 5K enjoyed a beautiful morning, bringing together the LongrnBeach community, VIP sponsors, students, parents, alumni, families and friends.rnThis year’s race was dedicated to Joe Nedza, class of 1968 alumni, and Chairmanrnof the SAHS Consultative School Board, who passed away on February 10. Nedzarnran the race every year, and often won in his category. The words “WE RUN FORrnJOE” headlined the back of the event t-shirts, in gratitude for Joe’s years ofrnservice to his school and its students.

The Aquariumrnof the Pacific’s RAY joined the St. Anthony mascot Antonio to kick off thernrace. St. Mary MedicalrnCenter’s Dignity Health Care Mobile unit was on-site, providing optionalrnglucose and blood screening tests. Long Beach Caruso Ford/Lincoln displayed arnnew Ford pick-up truck with all eco-friendly amenities.

The Port of LongrnBeach, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, and more than 40 sponsorsrnwere all on-board for the morning celebration, and many stayed after the finishrnline. Festivities continued at nearby sponsors Gladstone’s and ShenanigansrnIrish Pub & Grille.

SAINT’srnpurple looped its way around the lighthouse, through downtown, onto the beach,rncircling Shoreline Village and the Pike Outlets, all the way to the front ofrnthe Aquarium of the Pacific to the finish line.

This year’s winners were:

1^st place, best overall (male): Gerardo Salazarrn(21), time: 17:20

1^st place, best overall (female): Gisele Schaffrn(31), time: 19:16

2^nd place overall: Dr. Richard Graves (52), time:rn19:52

3^rd place overall: Darrell Stempke (37), time:rn19:56

4^th place overall: Kathleen Phair (58), time:rn22:10

“St. Anthony High School continues to shire as anrneducational leader in our city, academically and athletically,” says the school’srnpresident, Gina Maguire, “giving its students the opportunity to attend a collegernof their choice for the past 98 years.”