Over one thousand community members gathered at Hillview Middle School for the Schoolhouse Rocks 5K, Fun Run, and Festival on Sunday morning. The annual event began in 2013 and has continued since, raising funds for the Menlo Park City School District and bringing in over $75,000 this year.
Before the run began, families eagerly crowded near the race’s starting point behind the school, picking up Schoolhouse Rocks t-shirts and socializing. At 9 a.m., participants set off for the 5K and shorter Fun Run as volunteers enthusiastically cheered them on and upbeat music filled the air.
The Fun Run stretched for one mile, while the timed 5K extended along the San Francisquito Creek. “It was so hard for me. I thought I was going to die,” Ellie Hasson, a second grader at Laurel Elementary School, said. “But in the end, we made it.”
Many participants appreciated the inclusivity of the run. “I was running with my entire family, and even though I was far behind everyone else, it was cool to be able to do it all together,” community member Christine Tsai said.
As exhausted runners rushed towards the finish line back at Hillview, they were greeted with delicious food and festivities. The shaved-ice truck quickly became a major hit, with a long line of participants forming for the refreshing treat.
Community members enjoyed the loud support from the crowd upon completing the race. “I like when you go to the finish line, and everybody’s cheering for you,” Sidharth Anar, a third grader at Encinal Elementary School, said.
The festival offered a variety of fun activities, including bouncy houses, carnival games, small shopping stands, a face paint station, and even a rock climbing wall.
Children especially enjoyed the interactive attractions. “It was fun because you get prizes, and there’s a lot of bouncy houses,” Anar said.
Overall, the joyful event rallied the community to raise money that goes towards teacher salaries, mental health counselors, and diverse elective offerings for students. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s good to bring the community together. It’s not just the Menlo Park students, but it’s everybody, even beyond Menlo Park,” Tsai said.
