Summer Sensation 10K/Half/Marathon

Yet another «A Better World Running» race!
The Summer Sensation 10K/​Half/​Marathon is off Ocean Blvd. and Bay Shore Ave. in Long Beach. To make things even easier, check-​in and the starting line neighbor 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 is then able to keep costs at a minimum.
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!
On this run, I dragged my friend Ben along with me. It was his first 10K, so instead of worrying about my own time, I ran/​walked with him at a pace that he felt comfortable. (However, I pushed!) He’s pretty proud of himself. Good job, man!
Our 10K time: 1:29:08