Bart Calame, president of the La Jolla Kiwanis Club, wants everyone to know the extent of their charity work. “I ask parents all the time whether their kids are involved in Boy Scouts, or if they use the recreation department in any way,” said Calame. “While it may not be inherently expressed, the Kiwanis Foundation of La Jolla has touched lives of residents in the area in some fashion. We’re proud to be involved in more than 100 diverse nonprofits.”
On Sunday, April 22, The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla will host the running of the 38th annual La Jolla Half Marathon and Shores 5K. The half marathon (and 5K) will both begin at 7 a.m., which is earlier than past years. While the half marathon starts at the Del Mar Racetrack, the 5K will take off from Kellogg Park in the Shores. The half marathon will proceed along the coast, up Torrey Pines Scenic Route, along the Shores Boardwalk around to the finishing line at the Cove. “When I first began running this race, I always thought that since the races started at the same time, eventually there would be some overlap,” Calame said of the two races. “However, we have it spaced out well enough to ensure that everyone is chasing someone in their proper group. In past years, we have also had to structure our route near the Shores due to construction. This year, we don’t foresee any issues.” An expected 6,000 people should be present to participate in the race. It should be noted that those who wish to participate in the 5K have the ability to walk the race. This year, race participants can come pick up their race package at the sponsor hotel, the Del Mar Hilton, on Friday, April 20. For the procrastinators out there, same day registration is still available. Although Calame is president of the La Jolla Kiwanis Club, his position is volunteer-based. With the La Jolla Kiwanis Club being a nonprofit, the half marathon and 5K serves as their fundraiser for the year… so their whole budget is tied up in this one event. “We typically raise more than $250,000 a year from the half marathon and 5K,” said Calame. “This is why I encourage La Jolla area residents to attend one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Friday at La Jolla Presbyterian Church. When you come out and participate in the event, you’re truly giving back to the community at large.” MORE INFORMATION:
Where: Half marathon starts at Del Mar Racetrack, ends at La Jolla Cove. 5K starts at La Jolla Shores.
When: April 22; races begin at 7 a.m.
Contact: inmotionevents.com/ event/la-jolla-half-marathon, or call 858-750-2056.