Early registration suggested since event will cap at 3,000 runners
 
The ninth annual "Run Rocklin" will be held Sunday, April 15 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin.
 
This signature city event begins with a 12K Run at 8 a.m., followed by a 5K Run/Walk at 8:20 a.m. Children may participate free in the quarter-mile Kids Fun Run at 7:45 a.m. There is also a one-mile run for kids, which is free and is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
 
Run Rocklin has become a significant community event that last year attracted teams of runners from throughout the Sacramento region and nearly reached its goal of 3,000 total participants.
 
The race helps raise money for local schools and for the locally-run, nonprofit Matt Redding Scholarship Foundation. Run Rocklin raised $14,000 last year and has now given a five-year total of $48,000 in memory of the fallen Rocklin Police Officer.
 
Race director Larry Osborne says the goal this year is to reach the 3,000 runner plateau, which is the maximum amount of participants.
 
"This is the first year that we may have a sellout. I'm urging runners to reserve a spot, and register early to ensure that they will be part of Run Rocklin this year," Osborne said.
 
Run Rocklin is still actively seeking sponsors. There are multiple sponsorship levels and event supporters will benefit from their name on the Run Rocklin T-shirt and also through various event advertising, including social media and mobile phone technology.
 
The festive event will once again feature music by JD Productions Quality DJ Entertainment, complimentary food from Randy Peters Catering, and other goodies from local vendors.
 
Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group for the 5K and 12K events.  Awards and prize money will also be given to the top three male and female overall finishers in the 5K and 12K events. 
 
All registered/paid participants will receive a colorful commemorative T-shirt and a finisher's ribbon. Bragging rights will be awarded to all of the Team participants and prize money will be awarded to the top three largest school teams.
 
A popular Rocklin Police Officer, Matt Redding tragically died while on duty October 2005 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle that was driven by an intoxicated driver.
 
"Matt loved this community and would be so honored that people are running year after year in a race that supports a scholarship foundation in his name," said John Redding, Matt's father. "Our family is extremely pleased that so many people continue to support Run Rocklin. It's a great community event and we're happy the Redding family can be associated with it."
 
Osborne has a son who is a Rocklin Police Officer and has a personal connection with the Redding family even though he didn't know Matt personally.
 
"The people of Rocklin and other nearby communities have embraced our event for several years and have really made Run Rocklin something special," said Osborne, a police officer for the City of Berkeley in the early 1970s. "We've been fortunate to have tremendous community involvement that has enabled us to grow the event and be able to make a generous contribution each year in Matt Redding's memory. Everyone connected with Run Rocklin is thrilled to have created something that has become a real tradition."
 
Adults can pre-register for $34 prior to race day and the cost increases to $39 on the day of the run. Kids 18-under can pre-register for $20; cost is $25 on race day.
 
Teams of six or more people are welcome and all team participants will receive a special team T-shirt. Teams must register by March 21 to be eligible for the special team T-shirt.
 
To register, visit www.RunRocklin.com. For more information about the race or to become a sponsor or volunteer, e-mail Larry Osborne at elephant@eaward.com or call 916 415-9991.