Runners countrywide flock to La Jolla for annual ‘picturesque’ half-marathon
Spanning Torrey Pines State Park and La Jolla Shores, this year’s 26th annual La Jolla Half-Marathon will draw people from 39 states and other countries to San Diego’s scenic coast Sunday, April 22.
About 5,000 runners are expected to participate in the 13-mile race, which begins at 7 a.m. at the Del Mar fairgrounds and ends in the park at La Jolla Cove. The marathon serves as the main capital campaign for the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, according to Doug Bradley, co-chair for this year’s event committee and six-year Kiwanis member.
“Not a single penny of money we raise goes to us ” it all goes back to the community through the Kiwanis Foundation,” Bradley said. “The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla is La Jolla’s oldest community service organization. It’s in its 82nd year and going strong, and this, as our main event, allows the Kiwanis Foundation to turn around and really give back to the community.”
Previous races have generated between $50,000 and $100,000, all of which is allocated to community organizations focused on providing resources for children and the elderly, such as the Children’s Hospital and the Monarch School, Bradley said.
Besides the race’s major sponsor, Amylin Pharmaceuticals of San Diego, the Kiwanis Club also received funding for the event from local businesses such as La Jolla Cove Suites and the White Sands of La Jolla.
The race draws a diverse crowd, ranging in age from 18 to 80 years old and divided equally among male and female participants, Bradley said, adding that 94 percent of last year’s runners were California residents.
The course for La Jolla’s half-marathon has been deemed one of the most picturesque in the country yet is considered challenging due to Torrey Pines Hill, a steep incline about six miles into the race, Bradley said. The last course record was set in 2003, with Nazario Romero clocking in at 1 hour, 6 minutes.
A 5K jog along La Jolla Shores and a Windansea 5-mile stride will also take place on Sunday, both finishing at the park. The stride, a family-friendly walk welcoming participants with baby strollers and offering face-painting, will be attended this year by a group of children from La Jolla’s Gillispie School, according to Bradley.
A 10 a.m. awards ceremony at the park open to all participants and bystanders will follow the event. Refreshments will be provided by several local restaurants and vendors, and more than $3,000 worth of prizes will be raffled.
In his third year helping organize the event, Bradley is confident the committee has accomplished its goal, He said that although a large amount of time and planning goes into the race, it is well worth it in the end.
“It’s a way for everyone to come together to celebrate La Jolla, celebrate San Diego and celebrate good health,” Bradley said. “When you read the headlines and watch the news, you might wonder what good is going on and where are people doing good and just coming together to have fun, and this race is where it happens, and the Kiwanis Club is where it happens, too.”
Registration for the half-marathon is closed but the 5K and Windansea Stride are still open to participants. Cost is $28 for the 5K and $20 for the Windansea Stride. For more information or to register online, visit www.lajollahalfmarathon.com.