From fundraisers to paint-throwing to epic endurance challenges, the eclectic mix of races in Orange County has something for everyone.
But in light of the Boston Marathon bombings, race organizers have been left to reconsider the structure and security of their respective events. Lisa Scolman, co-founder of Book That Event and one of the organizers of the Taco Tuesday Trail Run and the Stache Dash, says that her company had a part in coordinating the logistics for The OC Marathon, which was impacted by the events at the Boston Marathon. There were many additional security requirements, and there were moments of silence before each race to honor victims of the tragedy.
“For large events, like the marathon and other point-to-point events, there are more security risks and precautions taken, though in general, the event community as a whole is on heightened alert,” says Scolman.
Florence Hardy, race director of the smaller-scale Brides Run, says the structure of the 2013 event will not change, “Except that this year, we will recognize the victims at the beginning of each race with a moment of silence. Our event is relatively small and as such we do not have the resources to increase security, but we have found that such changes are not necessary for an event our size.”
Increased security or not, it seems clear that the race must go on. And to that end, below is a carefully selected list of various running events throughout Orange County from now until December.
Freedom Run at the Ranch
WHAT: Organized by runners, the race offers a 5k and 10k run and prizes to the top three men and women in each, a pancake breakfast and a run for smaller children.
WHEN: Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 7 a.m.
WHERE: On Avendale Boulevard between Sellas Road and Daisy Street in Ladera Ranch
:: runladera.com
Taco Tuesday Trail Run
WHAT: Runners gear up for a brief run followed by a meal of tacos.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon
949.407.9993 :: info@bookthatevent.com
Komen Orange County Race for the Cure
WHAT: This fundraising run for breast cancer was started by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer victim, that she would do everything in her power to put an end to breast cancer.
WHEN: Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 7 a.m.
WHERE: Fashion Island in Newport Beach
:: komenoc.org
Brides Run
WHAT: Open to brides, grooms, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and everyone else in or invited to your wedding, this 5k running event is fun and challenging, and includes a post-race party and prizes that can help with your wedding.
WHEN: September 22, 2013 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Irvine Regional Park in Orange
:: bridesrun.com
OC Kids Triathlon
WHAT: A running, biking and swimming event aimed at youths and divided into four categories: Junior Tri (ages 10-15), Big Kids Tri (ages eight and nine), Kids Tri (ages six and seven), and Pee Wee Tri (ages four and five).
WHEN: Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 8:45 a.m. for Junior, 9:30 a.m. for Big Kids, 10:30 a.m. for Kids, and 11 a.m. for Pee Wee
WHERE: Costa Mesa High School
:: ockidstri.com
Survive and Thrive 5k
WHAT: This 5k is a fundraising event sponsored by Crime Survivors, which strives to better the lives of those affected by crime.
WHEN: Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin
:: surviveandthriverunwalk.org
Halloween Half Marathon and 5k/10k
WHAT: This run is a Halloween-themed event in which participants are welcome to dress in costume.
WHEN: Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point
:: goforwardracing.com
‘Stache Dash
WHAT: Both men and women are encouraged to wear real or fake facial hair to this 5k running event in which participants spread awareness and support of the fight against prostate cancer. The run concludes with a Mustache Awards.
WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Fairview Park in Costa Mesa
:: bookthatevent.com
Run or Dye – Orange County
WHAT: Runners are splashed with colorful paint as they run this 5k through a series of Color Courses, ending in a central Dye Zone.
WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2013, beginning at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Focus Orange County in Newport Beach
:: runordye.com
OC Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
WHAT: Guests are encouraged to dress in holiday gear, including reindeer antlers, elf costumes and Santa suits, during this 5k race that includes holiday-themed activities interspersed along the course.
WHEN: Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel
:: kintera.org/faf/home
Troutman Sanders Renegade Santa Run 5K, 10K & Kids Run
WHAT: Participants are encouraged to wear Santa or other holiday-themed costumes and are rewarded with a running Santa ornament upon finishing the race.
WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Hicks Canyon Elementary School in Irvine
:: renegaderaceseries.com
Ugly Sweater Dash 5k:
WHAT: Participants wear ugly holiday sweaters during the race.
WHEN: Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
:: thesweaterdash.com
