History of the Run
The signature fundraiser for the Martinez Education Foundation began in 2003 as the Shell-MEF Run for Education. MEF established an incredible partnership with the Shell Martinez Refinery and the Run became our largest fundraiser. In 2020, the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) became our new Run partner, and the Run was renamed the MRC-MEF Run for Education!
The Run for Education has steadily grown over the years. Although many people run, a large number of registrants enjoy their stroll through downtown Martinez and walk the 5K as they share in the camaraderie of this wonderful community event.
The signature fundraiser for the Martinez Education Foundation began in 2003 as the Shell-MEF Run for Education. MEF established an incredible partnership with the Shell Martinez Refinery and the Run became our largest fundraiser. In 2020, the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) became our new Run partner, and the Run was renamed the MRC-MEF Run for Education!
The Run for Education has steadily grown over the years. Although many people run, a large number of registrants enjoy their stroll through downtown Martinez and walk the 5K as they share in the camaraderie of this wonderful community event.
The Kickoff
Each spring, MRC and MEF kick off the planning for our fall event by organizing the Run T-Shirt Design Contest. We invite students from all MUSD schools to participate and submit designs for evaluation. MEF Board Members, with their MRC partners, then meet to review the entries and select a winner.
The 2022 winner was a seventh grader at Martinez Junior High School. The 2021 winner was a student from Alhambra High School. Not only does the chosen artist receive a monetary gift, but they also have the honor of starting the race.
The Run for Education had been the signature community project of the Shell Martinez Refinery until the refinery was sold in 2019 and was renamed the Martinez Refining Company (MRC). First Shell and now MRC have provided financial support and many volunteers for the event. In addition to playing the lead role in underwriting the event, thousands of dollars in corporate sponsorships are matched by the refinery each year.
All proceeds from the race go to the Martinez Education Foundation and benefit the MUSD students and schools. MEF is incredibly grateful for the more than $450,000 in direct cash donations that the refinery has provided over the years. We would not be able to produce the event without this support for so many years.
We are thrilled that the Martinez Refining Company continues to recognize the immense value the Run for Education provides to the entire community, and has generously agreed to continue funding support into the future!
