The Valentine Run/ Walk, Race for Justice, celebrates 20 years!

By Nanette Aubut

It was a beautiful day on Saturday, February 11, 2023, for the return of the in-person Valentine Run/Walk, Race for Justice! The run/walk benefiting Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) celebrated its 20th year of running and walking for justice. The run is a unique opportunity for attorneys and legal professionals to bring their families and dogs to enjoy a great morning of fun, catching up with friends, and networking, while supporting the community’s local legal aid organization. The Valentine Run attracts many in the legal profession, including serious runners and casual walkers. Attorney participants in the 4-mile event compete for the title of Sacramen- to’s Fastest Attorney!

Thirty organizations and local law firms, as well as solo practitioners, sponsored the event. Major sponsors included Gold Sponsors Murphy Austin and Shoenfeld LLP, Brelsford Androvich & White, and Seyfarth Shaw LLP. The Valentine Run/Walk continues to be a health-conscious and family-friendly event welcoming runners, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and canine companions.

In addition to being a gold sponsor, Murphy Austin Adams and Shoenfeld had the largest group of participants again this year with 38 members. Paul Starkey and the Gators Legal Aid Congregation once again took the early lead in fundraising, earn- ing great prizes from many local businesses.

Both people and dogs dressed up in valentine-themed clothing to compete for the best-dressed award. Breanna Lewis from the law firm Medina McKelvey won best-dressed individual. Team Beth Leopold with Ainsley’s Angels won best-dressed team and the best-dressed “paw pal” was Piper, whose human is Lisa Bettencourt of Murphy Austin and Shoenfeld.

Overall winners were Chikara Omine (male – 20:33), Johnny Comilang (adaptive wheelchair – 29:49), Carolyn Menard (female – 24:29), and Ary Smith (non-binary – 33:40). Overall winners of the attorney race were Marisa Gon- zalez of Boutin Jones, Inc. (female – 28:05), Galen Farris of the Office of the Attorney General (male – 22:28), and LSNC’s Ary Smith (non-binary – 33:40).

“It was great to finally be able to gather for this fun event in person, for the first time since February 2020. I am so grateful for the strong participation and support of our Sacramento legal community, and it was wonderful to reconnect with so many friends and colleagues. We’re already looking forward to 2024,” said LSNC Executive Director, Gary F. Smith

LSNC extends its sincere thanks to all participants, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, pledge earners and pledge makers, and to the Sacramento County Bar Association for its help in promoting the event.