The first annual Alberding Amble took place at Lincoln Park on Saturday, April 3, 2010. It was a delightful morning, with blue skies and perfect temperatures. The event featured a 5K Race and a 1-mile fun run/walk.
The 5K race began at 9:00 on a course that encompassed both the paved track and desert trail at Lincoln Park. The 1-mile course began an hour later on the figure-eight paved park track. Over eighty participants signed up for both events.
Net proceeds benefit the Art Alberding Math Scholar Award, presented to qualifying Pima College math students each year. This award was established in honor of Dr. Art Alberding, one of the first math faculty members at Pima Community College (PCC), and we were honored by his presence, accompanied by his wife Glee, the morning of this inaugural event.
Participants enjoyed live music by Carlos Núñez, snacks prepared by volunteers from PCC Desert Vista’s Culinary Program and free massages from volunteers from PCC Northwest Campus Massage Therapy Program. On hand in case of emergencies (of which there were, thankfully, none) were volunteers from PCC East Campus Emergency Medical Technician Program.
Gratitude is extended to these individuals for sharing their valuable expertise and time for this event. Recognition and appreciation are also extended to the other volunteers, workers and sponsors that made this event possible.
Sponsors include Fleet Feet, Costco, Food City, Southern Arizona Roadrunners and Safeway. Workers like Steve Taggart and Joe Cuffari and Race-Day volunteers Terry Hawkins, Bernard Bowers, Daryl Wieneke, Robert Jiménez-Wieneke, Mary Ann Martinez-Sanchez, Carol Harding, Bill Martin, Pat Townsend, Nina Corson, Kirk Mehtlan, Sue and Ralph Jensen, Barbara and Randy Armenta, Robin Steinberg, Jennifer Dempsey, John Brunnen, Debbie Yoklic, Constance Strickland and Char Fugett were instrumental in creating a smooth event.
Participant ages ranged from 12- to 73-years of age and families joined as spectators, cheering on the fun. Generosity ran high as well, with several runners contributing an additional donation to the Scholarship. Thanks to all who participated in the run/walk and provided valuable feedback for next time. Looking forward to an even bigger and better event at our Second Annual Alberding Amble next April! See you there!
Ana Jiménez
