Whether you ‘Run Seal Beach’ or not, these tips will prepare you for the race

It is nearly time for the 42nd annual Run Seal Beach® on April 9.  It is important that you know when, where and what to do in our community.  Here are a few essential tips and information you should know.

The Kids 1K Fun Run™ is selling out fast. The run is for children ages 10 and under. It is recommended that children be at least 5 years old. For safety, if your child is not registered, we ask you not have them participate. The Run cannot be responsible for your child’s safety nor provide access to the Kids Fun Zone™. The 1K Fun Run begins at 7:30 a.m. from the intersection of 1st and Marina Drive.  The event also concludes before the actual Finish Line of the 5K/10K in the westernmost segment of Eisenhower Park.  This is the location of the Kids Fun Zone.  There will be face painting, games and even popsicles for little ones.

Michelle Samuelson, director, says, “We have everything for any kid, we even ensure a ‘nut free zone’ for those with allergies.” Register now at www.RunSealBeach.com

The entire event may sell out, and we encourage you just to sign up.  Remember, all of the proceeds go back via the grant and awards program to local booster clubs, programs, recreation, our cities and sister non-profit organizations.  All of the events, the 1K Kids Fun Run, the adult 5K/10K run and walk all begin in the same location, the intersection of 1st and Marina Drive.  Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get set up and to get your child in position for the 1K Fun Run.  The finish line for the 5K/10K is about midway through the intersection of Main and Ocean.  Be sure to cross both the start and the finish timing mats, so your run is appropriately chip timed.  Your chip is in your bib, so if you are not wearing your bib, you will not receive a time.

Registration pickup for all events (including the Kids 1K Fun Run) is at the Marina Center – 151 Marina Drive.  Registration pick-up is available on Friday, April 8th, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. and then on race morning April 9, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

You are strongly encouraged to pick up your race packet on Friday.

If you have been registered on a team, your team captain will have already received the packets for all runners registered under that team earlier in the week.  If you are on a team with ten or fewer, check with registration as well.

Awards are given to the top three (3) finishers in each of 18 divisions with special awards for overall event champions of the 5K and 10K Runs. Overall top Male and Female awards are also given. The first / top Seal Beach Male and Female to finish each of the 5K and 10K Runs will each receive an individual award. Ribbons are given to all children participating in the Kids’ 1K Fun Run.

Winners must be present to claim their award. Awards will not be mailed.

Awards can be claimed for 2 weeks (until 4/25/16) at the City of Seal Beach Recreation Department – 211 8th Street, Seal Beach- M-F 8-12, 1-5. We do not have “Finisher” medals. The Divisions are: 10 & Under, 11 – 12, 13 – 14, 15 – 16, 17 – 19, 20 – 24, 25 – 29, 30 – 34, 35 – 39, 40 – 44, 45 – 49, 50 – 54, 55 – 59, 60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70 – 74, 75 – 79 and 80+.

Residents and visitors should be aware that during race day, there will be large no parking zones that will encompass much of the contest route.

These no parking zones will include all of Ocean from First through 10th Street, most of 1st Street and a large section of Electric and Main.

Please be alert to these no parking signs as towing of vehicles will begin at 3 a.m. on April 9th.

Please be mindful and respectful of the temporary no parking zones, as they will be enforced to preserve the safety of racers.

Free parking is available in the beach lots during race times; however, please avoid parking in business or private lots as those spaces are for patrons only.

If you are a resident, running as a team or can minimize parking impacts, please do so by keeping our race course clear and carpooling or walking to the start line.  Street Closure Information is below and approximate:

1) Marina Bridge – Closed from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

2) First Street – from Trailer Park to Marina Drive – 6 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

3) First Street – from Marina Drive to Ocean Avenue – 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

4) Ocean Avenue – from First Street to 7th Street – 7:15 a.m. – 10 a.m.

5) Ocean Avenue – from 7th Street to Electric & Landing – 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

6) Seal Beach Blvd – from Electric to PCH – 7:15 a.m. – 9 a.m.

7) Seal Beach Blvd – From PCH to Westminster – 1 Lane of westbound traffic side will close but open to through traffic in other lanes to PCH.

8) Westminster Blvd – From Seal Beach Blvd to River Trail Input – 1 lane of southbound traffic side will close but open to through traffic in other lanes.

9) The intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Seal Beach Blvd – will be closed from 8:05-8:15 a.m..If any questions arise, please contact the Seal Beach Police Department at 562-799-4100.

For registration questions, please direct those to registration@runsealbeach.com

The entire Run Seal Beach family would like to wish the 5K-10K runners/walkers and the 1K fun-run children a safe race day while promoting our community’s health and fitness.

For more information, please refer to www.runsealbeach.com See you at the Start Line!