Village Runner makes 13 a magical number this year hosting its 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K on Sunday, Mar. 13.
Held in Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village, the event is expected to draw an estimated 1,500 runners and walkers including runners from Colorado, Virginia, Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Missouri.
Festivities begin with the annual Costume Contest where runners display their most imaginative and/or greenest attire.
Olympic gold-medal swimmer Rebecca Soni will serve as Co-Race Starter along with Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel. The 5K start is scheduled for 8 a.m.
Soni, who resides in Redondo Beach, won three gold and three silver medals in two Olympic Games and will join the pack of 5K participants.
“It’s pretty cool to be asked to be the official race starter,” Soni said. “Community is very important to me and, after living in Manhattan Beach for five years, getting to know the city and people of Redondo Beach is exciting for me. The area offers so much in terms of fitness and fun that it’s easy to celebrate life every day.”
Defending champions are David Cardona, who crossed the finish line in 15 minutes, 35 seconds and Sloan Boettcher, who posted a time of 18:09.
Following the 5K at 9:30 a.m., the next generation of runners will compete in the kid’s Chase Stecyk Leprechaun Dash for Gold. Named in memory of Redondo Beach’s Chase Stecyk who, at the age of 11, died of a tumor that paralyzed him from the waist down. Proceeds from the race will go to charities and local high school cross country and track teams.
All participants receive a T-shirt and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female 5K finishers. The event begins with a two-day Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday, Mar. 12.
Entry fees are $40 for adults and $30 for kids. Online registration (villagerunner.com) ends midnight, Mar. 10. Walk-in registration is available through Sunday morning at Village RUnner, 1811-A Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. Proceeds from the 5K benefit the American Cancer Society.
A post-race party will be held in walking distance at Rock & Brews on Pacific Coast Highway with drink specials and a special breakfast menu.
