Strides for schools: Runners take on Carmel Valley 5K

The Pardee Homes sixth annual Carmel Valley 5K brought the community together for fun and fitness on Sunday, March 25 in Pacific Highlands Ranch. Proceeds from the race benefit all local schools.

Canyon Crest Academy freshman Ethan Brown won the race with a time of 17:04. Thomas Mackey, a 22-year old Torrey Pines High School grad on spring break, took second place and Jason Tootell, 42, placed third while on vacation from Virginia. The first female finisher was 11-year-old Carmel Del Mar School sixth grader Natalie Wang.

Pardee Homes Division President Jimmy Ayala and Carmel Valley Community Planning Board Chair Frisco White helped launch the runners on their 3.1-mile jaunt through Pacific Highlands Ranch and held the tape for the winners as they cruised in. Participants were able to enjoy a post-race celebration with vendor booths in the Village, complete with entertainment from The Special Guests, a rock group made up of local students.