On your marks …

Sunday morning will see hundreds of runners — local, regional and otherwise — preparing for and competing in the eighth annual Run for Education, the Benicia Education Foundation’s big fundraising event to help library and technology programs in the Benicia Unified School District.

At the moment, however, the number of registered runners is down from previous years.

Race Director Teresa Zabrek said Monday that pre-registration is around 450, down a bit from last year, a development she said could be attributed to several factors.

“A few reasons for the lower turnout might be that the beloved teacher, Andy Leiser, from Joe Henderson (Elementary School) that always rallied a huge team of ‘Hounds’ moved away and we had spring break hit right before the run,” Zabrek said. “We hope for a high in-person turnout this week to bring our numbers up.”

Another factor for the slight dip in numbers: the “competition.” The Diablo Trails Challenge is this weekend in Walnut Creek.

Still, Zabrek expects at least another 250 to 450 runners to sign up before the first of three events gets under way Sunday.

For one thing, the Run for Education has an official seal of approval. The event’s 5- and 10-kilometer races were certified by USA Track and Field in 2012, “which means people training for marathons and other races can use our event for pre-qualification,” Zabrek said.

The third event, meanwhile, is a half-mile “Fun Run” that has proven immensely popular with kids and parents over the years.

Those interested may register for any of the three Run for Education events Wednesday and Thursday from 1-6 p.m. at Earthly Nutrition, 872 Southampton Road. “This is also where people that have pre-registered can pick up bibs and T-shirts,” Zabrek said.

Race-day registration will begin at 7 a.m. on the First Street Green, but will cost an additional $5 per person.

As in years past, race times and street closures are the same. Maps and details of the closures can be found at BeniciaRunForEducation.org under “Maps & Directions.”

Streets that will be closed 8-10 a.m. Sunday are First Street from the pier to West K; West K Street from First to West Ninth; West Ninth south of K to West I Street; West I from West Ninth to West Second Street; West Second from south of West I to West H Street; and West H from West Second to First Street. East B Street between First Street and the Marina will be closed 7-11 a.m.

The Fun Run course has changed this year, Zabrek said. “In an effort to keep our littlest runners as safe as possible, the kid’s course will now start from First and B and run south onto First to the end of the pier and back,” she said. The Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. and wraps up the day’s events.

For those who don’t wish to run but still want to show their support — and get a race-day T-shirt — there are the “Snooze but Don’t Lose,” Shop and Stroll, and the Historical Walking Tour options. “Our 2015 T-shirt art was created by Matt O’Reilly, BHS art teacher,” Zabrek said.

“The shirt is very colorful and has been quite popular as our volunteers come to pick up their packets.”

Another way to pitch in without breaking a sweat: a fundraiser at two Pasta Pomodoro locations, ending Thursday. By showing a flier at the restaurant’s Vallejo location, 163 Plaza Drive, or Pleasant Hill location, 45C Crescent Drive, diners can have 20 percent of their bill donated to BEF. The flier can be found on the Run for Ed website.

This year’s event is ahead of the curve in one key way: signing up volunteers. The goal every year is to sign up 100, Zabrek said, and “This year we reached our goal earlier than expected thanks to UPS, Kohl’s, Coldwell Banker, Solano Pacific and ReMax of Benicia sending us close to 30 volunteers. It’s great to have local businesses help out in such a generous way.”

But one very important volunteer will be needed in 2016. “I’m moving to Roseville, so I’m retiring and looking for someone enthusiastic to take over next year,” Zabrek said. “I will train and mentor them the entire way.”

The eighth annual Benicia Education Foundation Run for Education will take place Sunday, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. on East B Street. For more information, registration, maps and street closures, go to www.BeniciaRunforEducation.org.