25th Annual Marianne Talley Fun Run is scheduled for this weekend

Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande is raising money to support local student scholarships and you can join the fun.  This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of the Marianne Talley memorial fun run.  The foundation has given out hundreds of thousands of dollars so far.  Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande is getting ready to host a memorial fun run for the 25th time.  The run was started by Brian Talley after his sister passed away suddenly back in 1993. "well my sister as was I, was a graduate of Arroyo Grande high school.  And I just felt that it would be such a great way to celebrate her life by memorializing this with a scholarship foundation," said Talley.
 
Marianne was a member of the SLO Roadrunners running and triathlon club even completing an Iron man triathlon.  The club approached her brother Brian about hosting a run among the vineyards of Talley Farms.  Twenty-five years later there’s a 10k, 5k, 1-mile walk and 1-mile kids run.  All the money raised goes right back to local students. “I’m really proud of the fact that the foundation has given out more than 300-thousand dollars to 55 scholars from arroyo Grande high school since well in the past 25 years," said Talley.
 
The event has continued to grow every year and more than 600 runners are expected this Sunday.  “So there’s a lot of energy out here.  We’ve got runners we’ve got walkers, we’ve got kids, we’ve got old folks and youngsters.  Really it’s just such a wonderful way to celebrate my sister’s life and her commitment to healthy living and fitness," said Talley.
 
Brian will be running the 10k himself but says he’s been slowing down over the past 25 years.  Still, he says it’s his way to give back in his sister’s memory.
 
Also, this year former Arroyo Grande track star and current professional runner Jordan Hassay will be on hand to encourage runners and help start the races. Even though pre-registration is over, it’s not too late to run.  You can sign up on the day of the race at 7:00a.