The Cal State Long Beach Running Club will host their first 5K run, “Run the Beach 5K,” on Saturday.
Runners of all ages and levels are welcome, and participants can run or walk the event, according to Running Club Public Relations Officer Stacey Flores.
“We wanted to provide a 5K run that was fun and cheap for the students,” Running Club President David Avalos said. “I noticed most runs were $40-$50, so we made ours only $20 and $25 the day of the event.”
Avalos said they were able to make it less expensive because there are no production costs. The profits go to supporting the club.
Rocket Racing Production is helping organize the event and the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research at the UCLA Medical Center is sponsoring the event and providing free Under Armour gear for each participant, the club president said.
“We worked hard to get sponsors and support to make this a really cool event and so we wouldn’t have to charge very much,” Avalos said. “People will have a great time no matter what.”
Avalos said that every participant will receive a goodie-bag filled with freebies and snacks. Runner bibs are provided as well.
“We are going to have an awesome free raffle at the end of the race,” Avalos said. “We are raffling off some sweet prizes, Under Armour gear and gift certificates.”
Avalos said the men and women who rank in the first three places will receive medals.
“Usually there is a charge at races for photographers and pictures, but we are going to have two free photographers taking pictures of all the runners,” Avalos said.
Participants are reminded to bring running shoes, a windbreaker or sweater, and extra water bottles.
Avalos said this is a great opportunity for beginners and more advanced runners, and he hopes that people will give it a chance because they will get their “money’s worth.”
The run will take place on the bike path in Long Beach starting at 5415 East Ocean Boulevard. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.
Anyone interested can pre-register at active.com under “Run the Beach 5K.”