Font ResizeFor the 15th year, Antioch is grabbing its collective broom, gloves and trash bags to help clean up its waterway areas.
It's all part of our golden state's Coastal Cleanup Day. Held from 9 a.m. to noon, area residents can take on one to three sites: the downtown Marina, Prewett Park and Fulton Shipyard.
"As the city's longest standing cleanup event, this is a great way to come out and support the natural environment we are lucky to live in," said Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, Antioch's environmental resource coordinator.
"It has been fun over the years to see old friends and new join us. Just like Antioch, this event has grown over the years ... What use to involve a little (more than) 100 volunteers now includes more than 400."
Last year, the group hauled in more than three tons of debris from the local shoreline and creeks. "That's more than 13 pounds per volunteer."
Participants will be treated to lunch at the Higgins Chapel Salvation Army on 1310 A St., from noon to 1:30 p.m. To sign up or for more information, visit www.art4antioch.org/Coastal-Cleanup.asp or call 925-779-6137.
This event is the state's largest volunteer event, and is held at more than 850 locations around California.
RUN FOR THE CAUSE: A run to help area food banks will be held Sunday, beginning at Brentwood's Liberty High, 850 Second St.
According to its website, the group has designed "a route that is flat and fast and will appeal to athletes of all levels." The site is currently pending USTF course certification.
Proceeds from the events directly benefit East County food banks, shelters and college scholarships for local high school grads.
"I'm very excited to be part of such a large community event that is related to health and fitness while providing for food banks," said Jill Fister, local Realtor.
Registration costs are $55 for individual half marathon, $297 for team; $5 for individual 10K, $243 for team; $35 for individual 5K, $$249; and $5 for family fun run. There is a limit of 1,000 runners.
Online registration for the run closes at 7 a.m. Friday. Sign-ups will also be taken from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the REI at the Streets of Brentwood.
Event start times are 7 a.m. for the half marathon and 7:20 a.m. for the 10K and 5K runners.
To kick off the big run, Diamond Hills Sports Club & Spa hosts a Carb Load night from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at 510 Neroly Road in Oakley. The spaghetti dinner is provided by Melo's Pizza. Participants will also be able to obtain their pre-race packet and goodie bag. Those attending are also encouraged to add to the foundation's Can Tree. The food drive, a tradition for the past 30 years, collects canned goods for area food banks and kitchens. Cost for the dinner is $8. For more information on this, call 925-437-4494.
For more info and to register, visit www.deltaharvestrun.com.
Contact Trine Gallegos at trineg@att.net.
