Few know that Belmont’s Parks and Recreation Department once hosted an annual “Ocean to Bay” marathon in the 1960s. The race began near Pescadero, by the coast, traversed over Kings Mountain (2000 ft), and concluded at Marine World, located in what is now Redwood Shores. The city’s running legacy continued into the 1970s when the Belmont Chamber of Commerce launched the Belmont “Steaks” Run. This event featured a rugged 8.93-mile course through the Belmont hills. The inaugural race in 1977 attracted 308 participants, who competed for both bragging rights and meat prizes. Brian Maxwell, then the cross-country coach at Cal Berkeley, won the overall race with a time of 46:59. Roxanne Bier, a high school student, took first place in the women’s division, finishing in 57:49.

Inspired by this legacy, the Chamber began discussions with the City in 2014 to revive a local running event—one that would be accessible, foster community spirit, and raise funds for youth organizations. Although the Chamber ultimately stepped back from officially sponsoring the event, the idea gained enough momentum to move forward independently.

A dedicated team—Chamber members Mary Morrissey Parden, Lenore Griffin, Karen Schornstein, Michael Kazarian, former Police Chief Dan DeSmidt, and Mayor Doug Kim—took up the challenge. By adding the expertise of Belmont’s own professional race director, Stephanie Davies, and event contractor Carlo Facchino & By the Beach Productions, planning began in earnest.

2018, the first Belmont Water Dog Run launched from the Notre Dame de Namur campus during their 150 year sesquicentennial celebration, featuring 10k, 5k, 1-mile kids’, and dog-friendly races. The event had the strong backing of city organizations, including logistical support from the City and a memorable pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary of Belmont & Redwood Shores. Indeed the unique Fido mile and pancake breakfast almost inspired the race to be called The Fido and Flapjacks Run. These partnerships and special features have since become signature elements of the race.

What began as a community experiment drew 900 participants in its inaugural year, confirming local enthusiasm. The Belmont Water Dog Run officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2019.

After a slowdown caused by the COVID pandemic, the event returned strongly in 2022 with 881 runners. That year also marked the start of the event’s high school student internship program, deepening the event’s commitment to youth and community engagement. Participation continued to climb in 2023 and 2024, with many attendees citing the event’s “good community vibe” as a reason for their return.

True to its mission, the Belmont Water Dog Run has raised and donated over $100,000 to the local community since its inception.

Few know that Belmont’s Parks and Recreation Department once hosted an annual “Ocean to Bay” marathon in the 1960s. The race began near Pescadero, by the coast, traversed over Kings Mountain (2000 ft), and concluded at Marine World, located in what is now Redwood Shores. The city’s running legacy continued into the 1970s when the Belmont Chamber of Commerce launched the Belmont “Steaks” Run. This event featured a rugged 8.93-mile course through the Belmont hills. The inaugural race in 1977 attracted 308 participants, who competed for both bragging rights and meat prizes. Brian Maxwell, then the cross-country coach at Cal Berkeley, won the overall race with a time of 46:59. Roxanne Bier, a high school student, took first place in the women’s division, finishing in 57:49.

Inspired by this legacy, the Chamber began discussions with the City in 2014 to revive a local running event—one that would be accessible, foster community spirit, and raise funds for youth organizations. Although the Chamber ultimately stepped back from officially sponsoring the event, the idea gained enough momentum to move forward independently.

A dedicated team—Chamber members Mary Morrissey Parden, Lenore Griffin, Karen Schornstein, Michael Kazarian, former Police Chief Dan DeSmidt, and Mayor Doug Kim—took up the challenge. By adding the expertise of Belmont’s own professional race director, Stephanie Davies, and event contractor Carlo Facchino & By the Beach Productions, planning began in earnest.

2018, the first Belmont Water Dog Run launched from the Notre Dame de Namur campus during their 150 year sesquicentennial celebration, featuring 10k, 5k, 1-mile kids’, and dog-friendly races. The event had the strong backing of city organizations, including logistical support from the City and a memorable pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary of Belmont & Redwood Shores. Indeed the unique Fido mile and pancake breakfast almost inspired the race to be called The Fido and Flapjacks Run. These partnerships and special features have since become signature elements of the race.

What began as a community experiment drew 900 participants in its inaugural year, confirming local enthusiasm. The Belmont Water Dog Run officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2019.

After a slowdown caused by the COVID pandemic, the event returned strongly in 2022 with 881 runners. That year also marked the start of the event’s high school student internship program, deepening the event’s commitment to youth and community engagement. Participation continued to climb in 2023 and 2024, with many attendees citing the event’s “good community vibe” as a reason for their return.

True to its mission, the Belmont Water Dog Run has raised and donated over $100,000 to the local community since its inception.

Water Dog Lake, nestled in the hills of Belmont, California, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally constructed as a private reservoir, it has since transformed into a beloved gem for the community.

The history of the lake is closely tied to the development of the Belmont Estate. The estate was originally developed by Leonetto Ciprian on land where Notre Dame de Namur stands today. In the 1860s, Cipriani sold the property to William Chapman Ralston, founder of the Bank of California, and a key figure in California’s early economic growth.

Ralston transformed the estate into a grand retreat, constructing an expansive mansion—Ralston Hall—that became a center for entertainment and hosted notable guests. To support the estate’s infrastructure, Ralston commissioned the construction of a reservoir by damming Belmont Creek, forming what is known today as Water Dog Lake.

Following Ralston’s passing in 1875, the estate was eventually passed on to William Sharon, and in 1923, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur purchased the property. They renamed the reservoir Notre Dame Lake. In 1965, the Sisters leased the lake and surrounding land to the City of Belmont, opening the area for public use and outdoor recreation for the first time. The park was expanded further in 1978 when John S. Brooks donated an additional 51 acres, now known as the John S. Brooks Memorial Open Space.

By the early 1960s, local leaders, including Mayor Wallace Benson, and the Belmont Citizens for Better Government, began advocating for erosion control and long-term preservation of the lake, leading to important infrastructure planning in the years that followed.

Water Dog Lake, nestled in the hills of Belmont, California, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally constructed as a private reservoir, it has since transformed into a beloved gem for the community.

The history of the lake is closely tied to the development of the Belmont Estate. The estate was originally developed by Leonetto Ciprian on land where Notre Dame de Namur stands today. In the 1860s, Cipriani sold the property to William Chapman Ralston, founder of the Bank of California, and a key figure in California’s early economic growth.

Ralston transformed the estate into a grand retreat, constructing an expansive mansion—Ralston Hall—that became a center for entertainment and hosted notable guests. To support the estate’s infrastructure, Ralston commissioned the construction of a reservoir by damming Belmont Creek, forming what is known today as Water Dog Lake.

Following Ralston’s passing in 1875, the estate was eventually passed on to William Sharon, and in 1923, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur purchased the property. They renamed the reservoir Notre Dame Lake. In 1965, the Sisters leased the lake and surrounding land to the City of Belmont, opening the area for public use and outdoor recreation for the first time. The park was expanded further in 1978 when John S. Brooks donated an additional 51 acres, now known as the John S. Brooks Memorial Open Space.

By the early 1960s, local leaders, including Mayor Wallace Benson, and the Belmont Citizens for Better Government, began advocating for erosion control and long-term preservation of the lake, leading to important infrastructure planning in the years that followed.