The 40th Old Mill Run Takes Place Saturday

The Old Mill Run in Columbia, California began 42 years ago. Despite a couple of years where the run failed to happen, the event this Saturday is called the 40th Annual “Old Mill Run”.

Co-Founder Chris Bateman and current Coordinator Dave Urquhart, were Wednesday’s KVML “Newsmakers of the Day”.

Chris Bateman helped begin the Old Mill Run because, “I was a little bit out out of shape and here was a sport where all I had to do was sweat. I called Roger Scott, who was the Director of the County Recreation Department, and we discussed a 10K run in Columbia. He agreed and we had a turnout of 263 runners at that first run in 1978. Running was the big national trend back then and this event was a pretty big deal for the first decade. Like most trends, the number of participating runners has decreased over the years. However, the one thing that hasn’t changed is that the starting line and finish line remains on Main Street in Columbia”.

Today, the Old Mill Run features a 10K Run, a 2-Mile Walk, a 2 Mile Run and two Kid’s Run – all to benefit the Tuolumne County Community Christmas Eve Dinner at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, as well as the WINGS Fund through the Sonora Area Foundation. The WINGS Fund assists families caring for sick or injured children.

The pre-registration entry fee is $20 for both adult and children racers. The race day entry fee is $25. Pre-register at www.itsyourrace.com. The registration includes a 40th annual tee-shirt that depicts the Sawmill at Sawmill Flat.

The event schedule: Kids Mini-Mill 8:30 am, Kids Mill 8:40 am, 10K Run and 2-Mile Walk both begin 9:00 am.

Because this is the 40th run, there will be extra incentives including $250 for the men’s and women’s 10K winner, with another $250 if a record is broken.

For more information contact Urquhart at 209-768-3251.

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.