XIV Annual Run To The Far Side© Draws Hearty Runners
and Bizarre Costumed Clad Larson Devotees

SAN FRANCISCO (December 1, 1998) — Braving heavy rain and blustery winds, more than 10,000 runners and walkers participated in the XIV Annual Run To The Far Side on Sunday. "With seasoned athletes running next to bizarre costumed creatures, the Run To The Far Side engenders the spirit of the Academy of Sciences -- everyone has a great time, even in the rain" said Patrick Kociolek, Academy Executive Director. "This holiday tradition celebrates the creativity of a great artist, but it also supports a vital San Francisco institution." Proceeds from the event support the California Academy of Sciences’ environmental education and research programs.

The winner of the men’s 10K, Julius Gidabuday (30:43), came from Tanzania to participate in the race. His brother, Wilhelm Gidabuday, took second place in the men’s 5K. Other first place winners include Linda Somers Smith (women’s 10K, 35:14); Christine Iwahashi (women’s 10K Masters, 41:58); Brad Hawthorne (men’s 10K Masters, 32:40); Richie Boulet (men’s 5K, 14:49); Lisa Lopez (women’s 5K 16:51); Lloyd Stephenson (men’s 5K Masters, 15:46); Kim Rupert (women’s 5K Masters, 18:51).

The winner of the costume contest was Chris Davis from Tucson, Arizona for his giant, woolly reproduction of "Deja Vu. " Other costume winners represented Larson’s Nerds of the Old West, Madagascar Cockroach, I Hate This Horse, The Moo Chariot, Amoebas, Shopping Bag Lady, Door Ding Gnomes At Work, and Noah’s Ark.