The near-perfect weather in California inspires many SLAC employees to enjoy jogging and walking at lunch time. The long, straight stretch beside the world's longest building, the klystron gallery of the two-mile Stanford Linear Accelerator, seems to compel exercise.
On any given day, lunch-time athletes are found running in casual groups or pairs, but one day a year the walkers and runners compete en masse during a unique event: the SLAC race, also known as the Run & Walk.
The people-watching at that event is worth the walk out to the accelerator building. Over 200 scientists, technicians, managers and office workers turn out to participate in the two-mile race, and I've seen all types ranging from those with concentrated serious expressions — warming up and stretching like Run & Walk was an Olympic event &3151 to disorganized first timers who rush up at the last moment asking, “Can we still register?”
The fog lifts just in time, revealing ideal conditions for the 33rd annual SLAC race. The race is coordinated by a committee and staffed by a group of volunteers. Although this is my third consecutive year serving as water woman at the turnaround for the walkers, many are still surprised when they see my colleague Boni and me seated at a table, smiling, cups ready with water, as the walkers emerge thirsty from the brush.
It's a fun event, a great chance to get some exercise, see friends from across the lab, and a unique way to soak up some California sunshine before the first chill of winter sets in.
Joni White, SLAC
