The 23rd Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education Raises Nearly a Quarter-Million Dollars for Martinez Unified School District teachers and students can count on additional supplies and resources this school year, after the 23rd Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education raised $246,000 on September 28, 2025.
Runners and walkers filled Downton Martinez for the popular community event that supports the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF). Using the money raised, MEF offers teacher grants to every Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) school for items such as technology, books, musical instruments, playground equipment, and a wide variety of other learning materials.
The Run is made possible because of generous sponsors, community partners and volunteers. MEF President and Run Director, Jack Funk said “Thanks to the support of our sponsors, with a special shoutout to the Martinez Refining Company which has made all of this possible, together with our energetic runners, the Run for Education Week has once again raised over a quarter million dollars that will directly support our MUSD schools and students. These are critical funds as we find ourselves in an ever more challenging educational funding environment. At the Martinez Education Foundation, we are creating new avenues of funding that will go beyond our traditional teacher grant awards as we distribute the proceeds to all schools throughout the district. We are so grateful for everyone’s participation in this wonderful community event.”
Image by Martinez Refining Company
Since its start in 2003, the Run for Education has raised $1.9 million to support K–12 supplies and educational programs in MUSD. Over the years, the celebration has grown into Run for Education Week, featuring fundraising events such as the 2nd Annual MRC-MEF Fairways Fore! Futures Golf Tournament and Family Fun Night.
MRC underwrites the cost of the Run and recruits contract partners to sponsor both the Run and the golf tournament. These partners have enthusiastically supported the refinery’s fundraising efforts with generous contributions. MRC Refinery Manager, Bevan Lewis said, “We’re proud to support the Martinez Education Foundation and the remarkable work happening in our schools. Events like the Run and golf tournament highlight the generosity of our community and our shared commitment to enriching Martinez schools.”
In 2024-2025, MEF provided MUSD teachers with $212,00 in grants. Martinez Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Gigi Patrick participated in Run and said, “I appreciate the long-standing support of the Martinez Refining Company and the Martinez Education Foundation. The money raised today through the MRC-MEF Run for Education directly supports our teachers and students and creates opportunities across our district.”
Nolin Searls, of Martinez, won the men’s 5k and Mikayla Clauson, of Martinez, won the women’s 5K. The complete results are posted at the Martinez Run for Education event page at
The event was a great success thanks to MUSD students, Alhambra High School Marching Band and Color Guard, MRC employees, MEF volunteers, Martinez CERT volunteers, community members, Martinez Police Department, Martinez Public Works, and local businesses.
Refinery Manager, Bevan Lewis added, “The MRC-MEF Run for Education is a genuine community collaboration. On behalf of our team, I want to thank the generous donors and sponsors, the volunteers and participants. Their support makes a real difference for Martinez students.”
Thank you to the sponsors and community partners who support the Run and Family Fun Night:
