Thousands prepare for Redondo Beach’s annual Village Runner 4th of July 5K race

Approximately 4,000 runners and walkers are expected to begin their Independence Day by participating in the Village Runner 4th of July 5K which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Photo

Approximately 4,000 runners and walkers are expected to begin their Independence Day by participating in the Village Runner 4th of July 5K which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Photo

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Village Runner 4th of July 5K and Firecracker Dash is expected to draw thousands to Riviera Village in Redondo Beach as participants and spectators begin their Independence Day in a special way.

The race has grown to become one of the largest races in Southern California with over 4,000 participants and this year’s event will include special features.

A two-day Health and Fitness Expo will be held beginning Wednesday and prior to the 8 a.m. start of the race on Thursday, an expanded “Red, White and Blue” costume contest will be held along with a Victory Parade honoring the previous male and female winners. All runners and walkers who have finished all 20 races will be recognized on stage with a special ceremony.

Congressman, Henry Waxman, will serve as honorary race host and official starter of the 5K. Waxman, a Los Angeles native, represents many of the beach communities along with Beverly Hills and Bel Air.

This year’s 4th of July 5K will include an expanded “Red, White and Blue” costume contest. Photo

This year’s 4th of July 5K will include an expanded “Red, White and Blue” costume contest. Photo

Former L.A. Kings star and current Kings color commentator Daryl Evans will be joined in the race by L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca and Redondo Beach Councilman Jeff Ginsburg.

Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel will welcome runners at the race and hand out some of the awards.

A Pre-Event Party will begin at noon on Wednesday, July 3 to coincide with the start of packet pick-up at Village Runner. Hennessey’s Tavern, H.T. Grill, and Mickey Finnz in Riviera Village will have food and drink specials going for the event.

Land Rover South Bay is the lead race sponsor and theRemedyPharm and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance have joined longtime sponsor, Hennessey’s Tavern as key sponsors.

Other supporters include Woelfel Superior Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, New York Life, Novella Apartments as well as our exclusive shopping center, South Bay Galleria.

The Sound 100.3fm will broadcast live from the race.

“The course for the event is fast, flat, and scenic,” stated race director Mike Ward. “Runners come here to set PR’s (personal records) in our event. Put on your most fun 4th of July outfit and celebrate by running the race and coming to our post-event party.”

After the 5K race, Rita’s Italian Ice will be holding its first ever, Rita’s Italian Ice Red, White & Blue “Freeze Out” Ice eating competition for race participants. A separate contest for kids will take place after the Firecracker Dash which is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit cross country and track and field programs in local schools. The Redondo Beach Firefighters Association and the Redondo Beach Police Department are also race beneficiaries. All participants will receive a 4th of July Run T-shirt. There will be chip timing, age division awards and cash prizes to the top three overall male and female runners in the 5K run.

Registration prices for the 5K is $30 and $25 for the Kids Race (add $5 after June 27).

Packet pick-up, along with the new, pre-race Expo, will be on July 3rd from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Village Runner store in Redondo Beach

To register for the race, visit villagerunner.com.

 

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