More than 2,500 runners and walkers are expected to hit the streets of Redondo Beach Sunday when Village Runner hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Community Walk and Little Leprechaun Dash for the Gold beginning at 8 a.m.
Because of its long history and reputation as a high quality event, the Village Runner St. Patrick’s Day 5K, which begins and ends in Riviera Village, has been selected by the ASICS LA Marathon as an official warm-up race. Following the 5K, the Kid’s Dash will take place at 9:30 a.m.
“It’s a fun, tune-up sprint for the long distance runners competing in the ASICS LA Marathon,” said Mike Ward, race director for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K. “Our course is mainly flat, fast, and scenic and people traditionally set personal records in our events.”
For the first time, a costume contest will also be held with gift certificates awarded to individual and team (5 or more runners) winners.
Defending champions are Christian Hesch, of Hollywood, who won the 2012 men’s 5K with a time of 15 minutes, 57.6 seconds and Redondo Beach’s Nathalie Higley, who captured the women’s title with a time of 17:31.1.
At press time, the youngest 5K entrants are two five-year olds while the oldest is Manhattan Beach’s Dick Windishar at the age of 82.
This year, the Kid’s Dash will be dedicated to the memory of Chase Stecyk, who passed away at the age of 11 in 2011 after battling a rare spinal cord tumor. His family has been long-time supporters and participants in the St. Patrick’s Day 5K event.
Entry fees are $30 for the 5K and $25 for the Kid’s Dash (add $5 after Friday). Pre-race packet pick-up is Saturday, March 2 from Noon – 7 p.m. at the Village Runner in Redondo Beach. Late registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
Portions of the proceeds benefit the Redondo Beach Firefighter’s Community Relief Fund and go to running programs at Redondo Beach schools. For more information and to register online, visit villagerunner.com.
