Justice Run set for Feb. 27

Run for the law or run from it — all are invited to the 14th running of the Justice Run, formerly known as Race Judicata, on Feb. 27.

The Justice Run is the first ten-point race in the Valley Runner of the Year Series, which includes a 5K run, 5K walk, 2-mile walk/run and a quarter-mile kids run.

The event, hosted by San Joaquin College of Law, benefits the college’s Alumni Association scholarship fund and Sierra Challenge Express Running Club’s scholarship fund.

The annual Elizabeth O’Neill Memorial Children’s Book Drive will be held in conjunction with the Justice Run. Participants are asked to bring a new or gently used hardcover children’s book to add to the libraries at Jefferson and Sierra Vista Elementary School. Last year more than 500 books were donated to Pinedale and Temperance-Kutner elementary schools.

Last year the event saw about 400 runners. Breakfast and face painting are available at the finish line.

“We’re bringing back the pancake breakfast this year,” said organizer Ray Keys-Bramlett. “We used to do it every year until about three years ago. It’ll be served in the Clovis Senior Activity Center and include pancakes, eggs, sausage and juice. It’s included in the registration fee, but non-race participants can pay $5 to eat.”

Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and awards will be given to the best and most creative.

Some “for the law” ideas are: constables, sheriffs, marshals, deputies, arbitrators, attorneys, counselors, judges, bounty hunters, skip tracers, posses, FBI, DEA, FDA, superheroes and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Those running “from the law” can dress up as outlaws, robbers, scoundrels, gangsters, smugglers, pirates and villains.

Registration is $35 ($15 for the kids race) and includes a t-shirt, breakfast and beverages. Sign up online at www.justicerun.org or in person at the packet pickup and registration events:

▪ 2-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 at Fleet Feet Sports, 9447 N. Fort Washington Road, Fresno

▪ 6:45-7:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at San Joaquin College of Law, 901 5th Street, Clovis

This year finishers will receive custom medals.

“We’ve gotten a lot of push-back from runners who say, ‘You don’t give finisher’s medals for 5Ks.’ But yes, we do,” said Keys-Bramlett. “It’s a small 3D gavel. Age group medals in gold, silver and bronze will also be given to winners in five-year increment age groups.”

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Justice Run set for Feb. 27."