Stars and Stripes 5K/10K/Half/Marathon

Yet another «A Better World Running» race!
Stars and Stripes is closer to home, off Ocean Blvd. and Bay Shore Ave. in Long Beach. To make things even easier, check-​in and the starting line are right next to the metered parking lot. And since you’ll be running early, parking is a cinch.
promotes and emphasizes a very relaxed and easy-​going, personal racing experience. And it is! Sure, their events are somewhat informal, but they’re fun and very affordable. I mean, the 10K alone was practically half the cost of most registrations: only $ 22.00! Included: goodie bags (without the bag, just goodies); the usual bananas, gels, waters, etc.; and a sparkling, congratulatory finisher medal (one for everyone!) Offering no special awards or t-​shirts, this eco-​friendly fun-​run-​in-​the-​sun is then able to keep costs low, and I can definitely appreciate that!
Of course, on this run, you’ll be sharing the beach path with other sun worshippers making their own morning pilgrimages, but that’s another reason why A Better World Running’s events are kept pretty intimate – 100 to 150 runners at most – so as to relieve congestion among other pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. So bring your shades, some sunscreen, and a positive attitude.
The run is not chip-​timed. Instead, official times and places are recorded manually, and results are posted on A Better World Running’s website later the same day. (I use my GPS watch anyway.) A list of upcoming runs is also on the website, and for regular participants, every 5^th race is free! Added, all pictures snapped by the event photographer are free to download on their Facebook page; and, finally, a portion of the event’s proceeds are donated to The Noakes Foundation, ECHO, and Kandar Kids. What’s not to like, right?
What I liked is that it was an easy, early morning workout at the beach… and I received another medal!
My 10K time: 1:05:45
Place: ²⁴⁄₅₄
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