"Run the Beach 5K" Exceeds Expectations

“Run the Beach 5K”, an event hosted by the Cal State Long Beach Running Club, had a successful turnout for its first 5K marathon on Saturday April 14, exceeding the expectations of the Running Club.  The club was aiming to register 20 runners but instead received almost double the amount of participants with 37 runners.  

The run was held on the bike path located at the intersections of 54th Street and Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach.  The path was right alongside the ocean providing the runners with beautiful wave-crashing scenery, a fresh-spring breeze, and a sun-kissed tan.

Runners of all levels were invited to participate in the event.  

“I think anyone is capable of running a 5K,” said Running Club Public Relations Officer Stacey Flores.   “With proper training and a positive attitude, anyone can run! We had participants both run and walk during the race.”

Participants for “Run the Beach 5K” varied in all age ranges from elementary school students to senior citizens.  

“We wanted to provide a fun race for local runners and I think we accomplished that,” said Flores.  “It was a scenic course; we provided refreshments and a great raffle. It doesn't get better than that!”

All Runners received post-refreshments and snacks including fruit, cookies, bagels, coffee, juice and water.  Free photographers were also on site capturing the entire event.  The club also held a raffle, giving away Under Armour water bottles, Fila sports caps, iTunes gift cards and Trader Joe’s food items.   

The 5K began at 8 a.m. and lasted until 9:30 a.m., with runners’ times ranging from about 18 to 42 minutes.  Although the top three finishers were club members, the top three medals were awarded to non-members in order to recognize registered community runners.  

With registration fees, donations and sponsorships the run raised about $850.  All profits went directly to the Running Club to help it get re-assembled after not being active for the past semesters.  

The Running Club’s goal is to encourage and foster an environment where runners of all ages and levels can unite and run together as a team.  They want to encourage members to live a healthy lifestyle, set personal goals, and most importantly, have fun.

According to Flores, the Running Club is different than track because track is more focused on training and racing on the running track.  However, the Running Club encourages the overall action of running.

“The Running Club provides students and community members the opportunity to meet other runners and create new friendships,” said Flores.  “Running is difficult itself, but running with others makes each step easier.”

Currently, there is no fee to join the club.  Anyone interested in joining should meet in front of the Health and Wellness Center Mondays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.  Mileage varies during each meet, but usually Mondays are street runs between five to seven miles and Thursdays are track workouts. 

“The club is open to students, faculty, staff and even community members,” said Flores.  “So even your mom is welcomed to join if she so desires. The more the merrier.”

Make sure to keep a lookout for the Running Club’s next 5K and check out its Facebook page “LB Running Club” for other unofficial runs hosted by club members.