For nearly four decades, people have been running, walking and focusing on the Seal Beach community every April for the annual 5K/10K and for the last few years, the 1K kids fun run.
Come run with us on April 13, at the intersection of Marina and First Street at 7:30 a.m. (for kids) and 8 a.m. (for adults) in Old Town.
This year has had a record amount of corporate sponsorship, and run organizers say that it is on track to sell out again.
“We are ahead year over year from last year at this point in race registrations. I fully expect that we will sell out before the race, likely the week before,” said Elizabeth Kane, race treasurer. “Register now if you haven’t.”
“Our primary reason for being is to not only run a great family focused race, but to generate funds which get driven right back into our community,” said Marc Loopesko, race director. “We are so proud to be able to say that over the last 10 years we have given over $825,650 back.”
This year is on its way to be another banner year.
Funds go to a variety of non-profits, particularly in the sports and recreation sector. The entire Los Alamitos Unified School District actually is the major benefactor of more than 47 percent of the total funds raised over the last decade.
Other major recipients include the city of Seal Beach Recreation Department and other Seal Beach and Los Alamitos based non-profits.
In general, grant recipients will range in awards from $500 to more than $12,000.
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.
If you have not registered now or if you need more information, go to www.RunSealBeach.com today. Also, be sure to see all of the incredible sponsors. Many of those sponsors are participating in the “Run Back to Seal Beach” bib promotion, which will involve discounts and savings when you bring in your race bib.
All of this goes back to encouraging more people to shop and spend locally.
This in turn helps merchants who also are sponsors and vendors for the event.
Marc Loopesko said, “It is a privilege to be part of producing such an incredible event for Seal Beach. We have over 550 volunteers on race day, and our organizing committee does so much work, from the Start Line to Finish line. Also, of particular note is our Kids Fun Zone, which has been a huge draw for our families.”
Also, there will be significant parking impacts throughout the Old Town area.
If you need access to your vehicle from 6:30 to 10 a.m. on April 13, please park outside the Old Town area.
Kids Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m. and the main runs at 8 a.m. sharp. See you there.
Seth Eaker is the public relations director for Run Seal Beach.
