Ninety-six runners representing Tehiyah Day School — including 39 students from kindergarten through eighth grade — competed in the Oakland Running Festival on March 24, raising more than $35,000 for the El Cerrito Jewish day school’s Israel education program.
This was the second year Tehiyah took part in event, which drew more than 9,000 runners. Tehiyah’s contingent included 44 parents, two grandparents and five staff, including head of school Bathea James and Rabbi Tsipi Gabai, head of Judaic studies.
Most of the runners participated in the 5K, but there were also five half-marathoners (13.1 miles) and two eight-person marathon relay teams. Eighth-grader Daniel Goldstein and fifth-grader Clara Mizock each ran more than six miles in the relay, and Adam Mizock, the founder of the Tehiyah Running Group, ran three legs for a total of 20 miles. In addition, Tehiyah parent Jeremy Smith ran his first full marathon.
The fastest 5K runner among the Tehiyah participants was fourth-grader Aaron Rumph, who finished in 25 minutes, 31 seconds.
The primary purpose of the Run for Tehiyah, beyond building community and camaraderie, is to raise money (from pledges and donations) for an annual student trip to Israel. This year, the 246-student school will be sending 35 seventh- and eighth-graders to the Holy Land for two weeks, departing April 10.
The group is still a few thousand dollars short of its goal; for more information or to make a donation, visit www.bit.ly/SNoW6P.