The 12th annual Tom Caruso 5k Run/Walk in Golden Gate Park will be held this Sunday, October 23rd, bringing together the Bay Area running and USF athletic communities to celebrate and commemorate one of their own.
 
This will be my fourth year as event director for the run, and through these years I feel that I have come to know Tom; through his family, coach, and those who show up each year to commemorate a man they loved and admired, I have learned a lot about who Tom was.
 
Tom was a runner. And, as the event tagline recalls, he ran “for the love of running.” He was not on a college scholarship, or supported as a contracted athlete. There was never an ulterior motive to get out the door and get some miles in. Tom just ran because it was what he enjoyed, and it was part of him. With his passion grew strength, and with strength, aspiration. Following his graduation from USF’s School of Management, Tom set his sights on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. In this pursuit, he was struck by a car and killed, his life and Olympic Trials aspirations left unfulfilled.
 
The Annual Tom Caruso Memorial 5k Run/Walk celebrates Tom’s passion for running, and for this reason, it is an event with which I am proud to be involved. Along with those who knew Tom, the run is well represented and supported by the USF Athletics community. The baseball, soccer, and volleyball teams are regular participants, stepping outside their usual athletic comfort zones to participate in this great community event. This year will also pit the men’s basketball coaching staff against the baseball coaching staff, sure to be an intense competition!
 
Local organizations have also supported the event, providing awesome prizes for the top five male and female racers, who get to pick from below in their order of finish:
Koret Recreation and Fitness - One year membership
Divisadero Touchless Carwash – Wax and wash passes
Avanzare Chiropractic (who also works on all of the USF athletes) – Evaluation and treatment
Sports Basement - $100 gift certificate
Fior d’Italia, San Francisco’s oldest Italian restaurant - $100 gift certificate
 
There is also a raffle for all participants, with prizes from Divisadero Touchless Carwash, Sports Basement, SF Giants Tickets, USF Dons tickets, Susie’s Cakes, Tommy’s Joynt Restaurant, Funky Door Yoga, GNC Nutrition, Odwalla, and more.
 
There are plenty of reasons to sign up and come join the event:
-          supporting a good cause
-          you know it will be sunny this year!
-          because your coach is making you
-          going for a 5k personal record (it’s a fast course!)
-          wanting to win a cool prize
-          because I’m asking you to : )
But, I hope above all else, you will come out simply for the love of running.
 
Visit the Caruso Run facebook page for more information, or register at Active.com.