HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – In an effort to get each of their 75 sixth graders to science camp in Occidental this May – considered by many to be the culmination and pinnacle of the elementary school experience – parents of sixth graders are hosting a superhero-themed 5k fun run and walk starting at Coyote Valley Elementary School on Saturday, March 11.

This event is open to everyone, whether part of the Coyote Valley School community or just those looking for healthy outdoor recreation.

The 3.1 mile run and walk consists of a flat course through the Mountain Meadow area of Hidden Valley Lake.

Superhero costumes are highly encouraged, though optional.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Best costumes for Child (under 12), Youth (13-18), and Adult (19 and up); First place finish for the same age categories; Most original finish line crossing; Best homemade costume; and Superhero Family Spirit Award.

Water will be available along the course and afterward, along with other refreshments. There will also be Krispy Kreme Donuts available for purchase.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance to receive a complimentary prize drawing ticket, but registration will also be available the day of the “race,” and prize drawing tickets will be available for purchase at that time.

The first 100 registrants will receive a race bag filled with goodies for all ages. Event pricing is set at $5 for kids under 13 and $15 for ages 14 and up (no charge for kids under 4). To register in advance, visit http://runsignup.com , and enter Coyote Valley in the “Find a Race” search area.

The race will get underway at 10 a.m. March 11, but participants are asked to arrive as early as 9 a.m. to take advantage of free bouncy house fun, provided by Lopez Jumpers, and have pictures taken in the photo area, provided by Bob Rider Photography. 

The cost of the camp is $305 per student, bringing the entire cost to $22,875. Because of the dedicated and hard work of a few select parents, more than $11,000 has been raised, but more than $11,000 still remains outstanding.

Support for this cause has been generous, with numerous sponsors such as the event’s main sponsor, “Dynamite” Sponsor Mendo Lake Credit Union, of whom Brittany Bettencourt, race co-organizer and mother of a sixth grader, said, “Mendo Lake Credit Union has been a pinnacle in our community. From stepping up during times of crisis in our community to supporting our schools, they have shown time and again what generosity and a great team can accomplish.”

Also sponsoring are “Hero” Sponsors Clear Lake Dental, Lake County Milers, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Prime Time Builders, Cember Machining, Vantage Construction, Bower Chiropractic, Alphabet Soup Preschool, Pullman Heating & Cooling, Hidden Valley Auto Body, and Sidekick sponsors Anytime Fitness, Conover Electric, and Hardester’s Market.

Prizes have been donated from nearly 20 local and out-of-county businesses as well.

Marinda Redford, race co-organizer and parent of sixth grader Easton, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the outpouring of support, “Because of our generous community, we are hopeful that these kids will be going to camp!”