Already things have been heating up for the biggest, best race that is produced in the city of “surf, sun and fun” and in this case, “run.” With total registrations over 4,000 and still five weeks out, Run Seal Beach is proud to announce that the teams are in and the race is moving far ahead of schedule.
Several major sponsors including Energy Tubulars, Dendreon & Scan Health Plans are leading the way at a gold level. For some, like Bob and Mary Alice Braly of Energy Tubulars, this will be one of many start lines that they have sponsored for the Run.
Dendreon again chose to sponsor the Kids Fun Run and Fun Zone. Fun Zone director Michelle Samuelson and co-director Sue Dvonch are both very excited to have them on board.
As race director, Elizabeth Kane said, “We have made some strategic decisions this year to ensure the best and safest event possible. We are capping the Kids Fun Run at 400 children and the total race to no more than 6,000 total.
This ensures a quality experience for all of our participants.” The Run, which is all-volunteer produced, has been averaging well over $150,000 per year for the last several years in grants and directed giving.
Funds go to a variety of non-profits, particularly in the sports and recreation sector. In general, grant recepients will range in awards from $500 to just over $7,500. Uses are usually for direct equipment costs, scholarships or improvements to programs for the recipients. For many groups, like the Los Alamitos booster clubs, this is vital funding to support many of their direct costs.
Recently, during a City Council hearing, Elizabeth Kane shared the Run’s action to help save a vital program of the Cancer Support Foundation – the “Strong and Healthy” exercise class for cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment.
A long time program administered by the Foundation, it was planned to be discontinued when the Foundation itself had to close its doors due to dwindling funds. It was at that point when Elizabeth Kane and Marc Loopesko immediately reached out to Tom Stretz, the president of the Foundation and to Nancy Cole, the long time instructor of the class.
Together with the Seal Beach Recreation Department, Run Seal Beach was able to subsidize the class to ensure not only its continuance, but also the affordability to its participants as well.
Marc Loopesko said, “We knew that it was time to step up to help the Strong & Healthy class. The Run had been a long time supporter of the Cancer Support Foundation, and though it may no longer exist, we wanted to ensure that vital, healthy service for that class was provided at a reasonable cost.”
Early registration for the race has already expired, and there are dozens of teams which have signed up. If you haven’t, be sure to secure your runner’s bib for April 5th, at www.RunSealBeach.com and keep an eye out for registration and sponsorship information.
Seth Eaker is a director on the board of the Run Seal Beach Committee.
