Third Annual Gateway to Yosemite Race Raises Nearly $6,000 for New Merced Park

More than 300 runners and walkers crossed the finish line at the third annual Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K, held Sept. 21 at the Fahrens Park Disc Golf Course. Organized by the Merced County Office of Education and the City of Merced Parks and Community Services, the race generated nearly $6,000 for the all-accessible Aletha June playground at General Vang Pao Park.

With a total of 304 participants, including 221 in the 5K and 74 in the 10K, the race spanned through trails in the disc golf course and dog park and the 10K course included the new General Vang Pao Park in North Merced. New this year is a Parent and Me 1K for the youngest racers with nine participants. 

These contributions move the project closer to meeting the funding needed to build the playground at General Vang Pao Park. 

The event's success was possible through support from the Central Valley Opportunity Fund and Creative West Graphic Solutions. The City of Merced Fire Department supplied a hydration station for 10K runners.

Top three finishers for the 5K Men Runners:

Zak Ellison, 35
Javier Ambriz, 13
Andy Wan, 41

Top three finishers for the 5K Women Runners:

Luana Baxter, 10
Laura Baxter, 42
Brooke Geyer, 25

Top three finishers for the 10K Men Runners:

Anthony Cortes, 31
Francisco Rodriguez, 36
Elijah Welch, 18

Top three finishers for the 10K Women Runners:

Sofia Rodriguez, 33
Daniela Rodriguez, 37
Kimberly Figueroa, 24

For full race results, click here.

To learn more about the new General Vang Pao Park, contact the City of Merced Parks and Community Services Department at (209) 385-6855.