Race Kicks Off July 4 Celebration

There’s good news for those of you procrastinators who are still planning on running in Friday morning’s Palisades-Will Rogers race. People who missed pre-registration can still sign up prior to the race tomorrow. Volunteers will be at the registration tables at the Palisades Recreation Center as early as 6:30 a.m. to register runners for the 5/10K race and/or the Kids’ Fun Run. Race-day registration costs $40 for the 5/10K or $25 for the Fun Run. Even if you’re not participating in the race, the Rec Center is a great place for family and friends to gather to begin the Fourth of July celebration and cheer your neighbors on to the finish line. There were over 2,600 runners in last year’s 30th anniversary race and a similar-sized field is expected Friday. Runners have two options, depending on how hot it is and how ambitious they are. Those more into speed should try the flat 5K course down the streets of Huntington Palisades. Those looking for an endurance test, however, can brave the grueling 10K course through the switchbacks of Will Rogers State Park. Both races start promptly at 8:15 a.m. and both begin and end at the intersection of Alma Real and Toyopa. The half-mile Kids’ Fun Run begins at the same location at 9:15 a.m. Pre-registration packet pick-up began yesterday and continues until 4 p.m. today at Bentons The Sport Shop (1038 Swarthmore Avenue). For online results of the 5/10K visit the Web site (www.palisades10K.com) or log on to www.runraceresults.com. Replacing Coldwell Banker as this year’s title sponsor is Pacific Palisades Bank. William E. Simon and Sons is once again the corporate sponsor. Race coordinator Brian Shea knows cooler weather usually means a better turnout: “It was really hot last year and I’m hoping it won’t be quite as bad. The great thing is that you have a choice. When we first started the race [in 1978] it was only a 10K. Now, runners can decided to run the 5K instead.”