More than 2,400 racers crowded the starting line at Morro Rock Saturday for the 7th annual Miracle Miles for Kids 10k, a fundraiser forThe Family Care Network, Inc. (FCNI) that took participants from the rock to Cayucos Pier.
The event raises money for the agency and helps people learn about Family Care Network, Jim Roberts, CEO of FCNI said. The first Miracle Miles for Kids was a Cal Poly senior project by Marcy Collins in 1992.
“We did it again the following year, then brought it back in 2003,” he said. “It’s been growing with participants and sponsors every year.”
The race can be competitive, with awards given to winners who are divided by gender and age. Many people make teams such as a centipede in which members run leashed together. A lot of families run together too, said Jon Nibbio, FCNI chief operations officer and director of clinical services.
“It’s a race for all ages,” he said. “Infants are being pushed in strollers and some competitors are in their 70s.”
Sponsors, registration fees and pledges help offset the cost of the fundraiser. It also takes 250 volunteers, said Kathleen Grace, FCNI volunteer coordinator.
“Community members, service groups, sorority and fraternity members were some of the volunteers this year,” she said. “We also got a lot of people from Make-a-Wish Foundation.”
At the post-race party at the pier, Atascadero-based band Lakes played music while people wandered through a small block of vendors, a few offering massages. A goodie bag and hamburger lunch were additional perks offered to finished racers.
The proceeds fund direct services for foster and high-needs children.
“It can be used to pay for anything,” Roberts said. “The donations will let a kid go to prom, summer camps or to help with tuition.”
Miracle Miles for Kids makes a significant difference in closing the gap lost from state budget cuts, Bobbie Cherry, CFO of FCNI said.
“We’ve had a 10 percent rate cut from a budget that hasn’t been raised since 2000,” she said.
SLO Running 