(June 6, 2009) -- Organizers say over 500 runners plus volunteers plus spectators braved an early morning drizzle (with occasional downpours) to run, jog, walk and otherwise enjoy the 2nd annual Long Beach "Wrigley River Run 5k/10k & Tadpole Trot" on Saturday June 6.
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The event benefits the LB Neighborhood Foundation...and group President Gavin Mc Kiernan said that about 525 runners, over 70 volunteers and more than 100 spectators took part, almost tripling the event's size from last year.
The day's events included a 5K Run / Walk, a 10K Run / Walk, a 1k "Tadpole Trot" (for kids)
Mark Vishnevsky defended his 2008 5k title and won the 10k race for men. He ran the 5k in 16:48 (30 seconds faster than last year) and won the 10k with a finish of 36:21.
Among women, 16 year old Laura Davila of Cabrillo High School won the 5k (22:25) and Kelly Motyka won the 10k by 16 seconds in 47:10.
Male and female winners of the 5k & 10k also received free shoes donated by sponsor Road Runner Sports.
Other participants we recognized:
LB City Auditor Laura Doud...who ran the 10k in 55:03 (third in her division)
Alan Tolkoff, Boardmember of the Theatres at Long Beach Playhouse...who ran the 5k at an 11-minute mile pace.
LBNF Boardmember Karen Hester, who recently ran the Boston Marathon, was present at the Pacific Ave. finish line to cheer runners on.
Also visible in the crowd: LBPD West Division Commander Robert Luman.
LB Neighborhood Foundation President Mc Kiernan wrapped up in an email:
We won't know for a day or two how much money was raised until all receipts are reconciled but we think we raised at least $3,000 and hopefully considerably more.
One thing we plan for this event to support is the AVID scholarship program and make it possible for some students from the area in which the event was held to participate. Our board will meet next week to discuss the event and determine how to best invest the money in the youth of this community.
We plan to do other events throughout the city and will put the money we raise at those back into the youth of those neighborhoods. LBNF welcomes suggestions and ideas of sports related events we can help to make happen throughout long beach, not just running events.
He added:
[V]olunteers...from Beacon House, Pacific Baptist Church, The Wrigley Association, LBPD Explorers, LBCC, and individuals from throughout Long Beach made this event run smoothly. Of course we want to thank Holy Innocents School that allowed us to use their parking lot, the city and special events staff who worked with us to keep down costs and have a successful event, The Fallen Stars who entertained the crowd and the singers from Cabrillo who sang our national anthem.
Our many sponsors including the Naza Family Foundation, AECOM, Altus Realty, AA Graphics and Buono’s all stepped up to help and make sure an event like this was possible. Area businesses like El Paisano, Noah’s Bagels & Buono’s made sure we had plenty of food.
This was truly a community event and we look forward to June 5th, 2010 for the 3rd annual Wrigley River Run & Tadpole Trot
The Long Beach Neighborhood Foundation, beneficiary of today's events, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit group [website text] "committed to organizing and sponsoring athletic events and programs in Long Beach. These events will promote community involvement, education, tolerance, and a healthy non-violent lifestyle. All funds generated will be used to benefit at risk youth through grants to local programs and through economic development efforts in historically underserved parts of Long Beach."
