 "Photo: Courtesy of Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon")
 "Photo: MCT Campus")
In Mission Beach, downtown, Carlsbad, the Temecula wine country, Balboa Park and all throughout San Diego, people are running. But from what? San Diegans are running to help benefit others, while building friendships and throwing parties along the way.
The Sun Strides Foundation is putting on the Temecula Turkey Trot 5k and 10k at the Cougar Vineyard & Winery this Saturday. One hundred percent of the fundraising from the five and 10 kilometer runs will support Sun Strides Foundation’s projects. This organization supports safe, free and renewable energy for people in developing countries.
“Currently, we are raising funds for a biogas conversion tank for an orphan village in Arusha, Tanzania,” Race Director Rachel Hiner said. “It’s a great cause and it’s different. The race itself is on a dirt road.”
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the first race starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $25 to $30 and free wine tasting will be available for 21 and older participants after the race. Volunteers are still needed.
Upcoming marathons in San Diego
One of the upcoming marathons is the award-winning “boutique style” Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon that will take place Jan. 24 of next year. The race will begin at 6 a.m. and with more than 10,000 participants, this winter marathon is already sold out. The race includes a scenic costal route that passes through Buena Vista Lagoon and Highway 101, performances of more than 23 live bands and many special features and awards. The race gives awards called “Heroes of the Marathon,” which are given to “ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” according to the marathon Web site. Mason Smedley, a patient of Juvenile Dermatomyositis, won this award last year. His father pushed him through the half marathon in his wheelchair to raise funds to fight the disease.
Participants have the option of donating to 19 different charities, including the American Cancer Society, Children’s Heart Institute Fund, Heart for Africa and North County Community Services Food Bank. Although the marathon is sold out, volunteers are still needed and anyone can transfer their entry to another person.
A health and fitness expo at the Plaza Camino Real shopping center will be open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will have an array of vendors, displays and bargains on apparel and equipment. It will be located in the same spot as the starting point of the race.
“Obviously, we do this out of appreciation for the sport, but it’s also very good for the community,” Founder and President of In Motion Inc. Lynn Flanagan said. “It’s very good for the economy but also the overall health of the community. It’s an opportunity for people in the area to come together and produce this nationally recognized event.”
Kathy Loper Events is an organization that attracts families and athletes throughout Southern California. A computerized race system is used at these marathons to ensure accuracy and order. Its next race, the Pure Fitness Run for the Hungry 10k and 5k Run Walk, will be held downtown on Thanksgiving to benefit the San Diego Food Bank and Foodmobile.
Balboa Park will hold the Jingle Bell 5k Run Walk for the Arthritis Foundation on Dec. 12. Next year’s Super Run will take place on Feb 6 in Mission Bay to benefit Water for Children Africa. Many other upcoming events are listed at www.kathyloperevents.com.
Training for the marathon
As far as training is concerned, San Diego State students can no longer depend on the Aztec Recreation Center track. Because of budget cuts, the track closed for the remainder of the semester last Wednesday.
The San Diego Track Club offers members to take advantage of other facilities in the area where participants can train and benefit from staged races, free counseling and coaching. It is the largest running club in the county.
“Don’t let the title ‘San Diego Track Club’ fool you. Our membership spans a broad range from recreational joggers to elite athletes, with the majority being recreational runners who take in some local road races, marathons or multi-sport events during the year,” SDTC Membership Committee contact Richard Williams said. “SDTC is a 501(c)(3) organization providing donations to the Balboa Park Foundation for park improvements and scholarships for local students.”
Memberships expire at the end of the year and rates start at $40 and decrease to $15 during the late summer months. More information can be found at www.sdtc.com including group run details such as the Wednesday night Pacific Beach runs.
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