It’s not often you get an opportunity to run around a fully operational sand and gravel quarry. Families, groups and individuals got just that at the 2019 River Run on Aug. 24 at the Graniterock quarry in Tres Pinos. People arrived as early as 7 a.m. to take part in the race, with funds going to the YMCA of San Benito County. 

Participants selected from a 5k or a one-mile family fun run. The routes gave them behind-the-scenes access to an active quarry, taking them along the San Benito River with a view of the rolling hills of Tres Pinos. All who took part received a bib, shirt and medal, and top finishers received trophies.

The Heckman family of Hollister went on the River Run and said it was their first race running as a family.

“I run triathlons, my wife does crossfit, our daughter McKenzie plays field hockey and our son, Taylor, is always running everywhere!” Justin Heckman said. “We also decided to do this in celebration of my wife Nicole’s birthday.” 

Huge tractors anchored the starting line where runners and walkers warmed up. Finish Line Productions, the company recording times at the event, supplied racing bibs that logged times as participants crossed the finish line. Each bib has a chip that communicates with a series of computers and sensors when a participant crosses the finish line. The technology then records the time and stamps the race as completed.

Graniterock employee Elizabeth Sanchez was there on Saturday running with her family of four. It was their first time running as a family, too.

“My husband Mario is a runner, and he does races all the time, and since I work here I thought we could all do this together.”

The first-place winner of the 5k was Zander Brister, 12, of Hollister, who clocked in at 20 minutes, 38 seconds. Juan Castillo, 23, of Hollister took second place, with Justin Heckman, 39, coming in third. Heckman’s son Taylor and daughter McKenzie also finished among the top 10.

Visit the 2019 Graniterock River Run for full race results.