As of Tuesday morning, April 11, approximately 5,000 runners and walkers are already registered for the 38th annual 5K/10K. In addition, there are over 250 kids registered for the 1K fun run.
“Registration will likely close around April 19 or before due to the tremendous community support,” said Elizabeth Kane, the race’s treasurer. “We are averaging about 100 entries a day and are on track to cap out at 5,500 participants within a week or so.”
A key driver of the overwhelming success of the event this year is the high number of entries coming from business and community teams.
There are 46 teams comprising 1,020 individuals, which is a new record for the event. Runners come from all over the world and the US, with 26 states in addition to California and Costa Rica, Canada, Ireland and Mexico also represented.
Some of the largest teams are from business sponsors like Beach Fitness, Dendreon, Scan Health Plan, Anytime Fitness and Legacy Running Company. Other business supporters field teams just to have fun and get out and build community spirit.
Kim Pederson, a server at 320 Main said, “I really like the fact that 320 Main supports the Run Seal Beach event. I just come out to walk with the rest of the staff and it helps us feel part of the Seal Beach family. We have fun.”
As an added reminder to all of the greater Seal Beach community, all streets of Old Town Seal Beach will be closed from 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on race day.
If you live in the 100 or 200 blocks of Old Town and need to get out during race hours, be sure to park in the 300 blocks or East of Electric Ave. and Marina Dr. Also, please note any posted “No Parking” signage as well as any private parking signs, particularly to businesses. There are several areas which seem to be public parking, but are actually private lots for customers of local businesses. Please be aware of those restrictions on private property.
Looking back, the race has funded dozens of sports teams and youth programs. Last year alone, over $125,000 went back into our recreation, sports and local non-profits. It is also one of the single largest contributors to the City of Seal Beach recreation department. As we near the $1 million mark for contributions, each of you who participate in the run, walk, volunteer or even just watch and help make the event happen.
See the Sun Newspaper’s special section on the Run Seal Beach event in next week’s edition.
