The third annual Papa Petrucci 5K Run, Walk, Stroll is set to take place at 8:30 a.m. Sunday to raise money for the V.E. Petrucci Library collection in the viticulture and enology department.
“The proceeds from the 5K go entirely toward funding the V.E. Petrucci Library that is [available] to students, alumni and professionals in the grape and wine industry and related disciplines,” said Patrick Tachela, Viticulture Club president.
The library carries contemporary periodicals, books, conference proceedings, pamphlets, brochures, research reports and theses.
The library is currently being catalogued electronically and is housed in the Henry Madden Library.
Tachella said that the race came together three years ago when the viticulture department realized there was a need for funding its own library.
Every year the 5K has met its annual goal, Tachella said. When the race first started, the goal was set at $1,500. The following year, the goal rose to $2,000. This year the goal is set at $3,000.
In its early years, about 30 to 40 people participated. This year, 60 people have registered so far, and the final number of participants is expected to be around 70 people, Tachella said.
“Participants will have a unique opportunity to run, walk or stroll the vineyard avenues with their friends or families and see several new plantings and exciting projects that are part of the program’s vineyard development plans,” Tachella said.
Check-in and walk-up registration for the 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the viticulture and enology building at 2360 E. Barstow Ave. between Cedar and Maple avenues.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers of each running class, including the top male and female runners. Prizes will include wine glasses, wine for winners 21 and over and GB3 membership passes.
Tachella said that the event is important because California is one of the biggest producers of grapes. The money raised benefits enology at large because it is open to everyone who is part of viticulture and enology in California.
Tachella has helped organize the event since its inception three years ago.
Registration information is available online or on the Viticulture Club’s Facebook page.
The run is open to all ages. Registration is $35 for community members and $25 for high school and college students who present a valid school ID at check-in. The event is free for children 13 and younger. Bottled water will be provided.
For more information, call (559) 278-2089.