Many responsible for successful event

Dear Editor,

The Mountain Area Runners would like to thank the Sierra Star for the excellent coverage and support given to the 2012 Smokey Bear Run/Walk. Our group would also like to express their appreciation and thanks to the many people responsible for this very successful event, the participants, our sponsors, and the volunteers.

This year we celebrated the 25th year. The event was held at Bass Lake, and was attended by more than 550 race participants and close to a 100 race day volunteers. We had 102 children participants in the three children's races.

The funds raised will benefit Yosemite High School Cross Country teams, Cal Fire and United States Forest Service (USFS) fire prevention programs, Madera County Search and Rescue and the Madera County Sheriff's Explorers Post #109. Numerous sponsors have supported the race year after year and we thank them all. Your support is essential in creating an enjoyable event for families and runners. As race organizers, we appreciate the community participation and take great joy in giving back.

The wonderful Mountain Area Runners who helped make this all possible include Sheriff John Anderson, race chairman, Francis Adams, JoAnn Evans, Carol Fletcher, Karen Guillemin, PJ Grant, Kathy Kramer, Christine Lawrence and Linda Oldfield.

Eva Busto, Smokey Bear Race Co-Chairman

Mountain Area Runners