Running For A Good Cause

It's not hard to find firefighters running around town as first responders to emergency calls, battling blazes, clearing traffic collisions and the like.

Now here's your chance to return the favor.

The Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Foundation is hosting the Third Annual Hook and Ladder Run on June 5 at . The fundraiser will benefit the nonprofit foundation that supports injured and fallen firefighters. In addition, funds raised go toward the Burn Foundation and local charities in the Tri-Valley, officials said.

Matt Thau, foundation director and a firefighter at , said the event has grown each year. He expects more than 1,300 participants and is hoping to raise $30,000.

Last year, the event garnered nearly 1,000 participants and generated more than $22,000. In 2009, the program drew 650 participants who raised $14,000.

"Our members are donating 100 percent of their time (during the event)," Thau said. "The department makes nothing itself, so 100 percent of proceeds go toward the foundation and our charities."

There will be three races this year: a 5K run or walk, 10K run and a kids one-mile fun run (for ages 12 and younger). The courses will travel through . The kids one-mile fun run will take place at Wente Vineyards.

Awards will be given in each age group, male and female. The age groups are 12 and younger, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up.

Special prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female race winners in the 5K and 10K runs. The top 20 male and female racers in both races will receive a "TOP TWENTY" T-shirt. Ribbons and ice cream will be served to all kid participants.

Water and refreshments will be provided at the end of each race. Wente Vineyards will have additional food and wine tasting for purchase.

Cost is $30 for the 5K or 10K and $10 for the kids one-mile fun run. Registration is open until June 2. Click here to register online.

Race day registration is an additional $5 and will begin at 6:30 a.m. 

Starting time for the 10K is 8 a.m, followed by an 8:05 start time for the 5K. The kids one-mile fun run begins at 9:45 a.m.