The four-mile run/walk on an easy, downhill course right on the coast drew people from all over San Diego on Sunday.
“There was a big, big crowd. There was plenty of room on the race course and it was so scenic. It was lovely,” said Kitt Williams, 65.
Williams came first in her age group. Her friend came second.
“We practice a lot. We run and then two or three days before this race, then you start taking it easy and you watch movies a lot,” Margaret Jones, 66 said.
The run took on a great party atmosphere Sunday. Perhaps it’s the free beer they promise you after you finish. Brianna Herrington was running her first race and said the free beer put a hop in her step.
“The whole time, definitely,” Herrington said. “Mile one and two were really hard.”
She ran the race, despite having shin splints.
“I still did it in under 37 minutes. So, I’m really proud of myself,” Herrington said. “It was really motivating when you have guys with babies, strollers, passing you.”
The course runs from La Jolla to Pacific Beach with the victory celebration at the end of the race on Garnet Street with water, juice, bagels and oranges for all the runners/walkers. Those 21 and over headed to PB Bar and Grill for their complimentary beer and $3 breakfast sandwiches.
Organizers Stay Classy donated $5 to the charity of the runner’s choosing: San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, Make-a-Wish, Jeans 4 Justice or Volunteer San Diego.
“We feel very strongly that the fire department does a lot to help the community in so many ways. We’re delighted to be here to support them,” Williams said.
Herrington chose the Surfrider Foundation.
“I don’t surf but everybody around me, my friends and family do,” she said.
Almost 3,000 people ran the race.
“We’re so excited to have so many people participate this year,” said Stay Classy spokesperson Julie Corry. “It was great, we had a great time. Everybody was really excited and it’s all for charity.”
