Redondo Beach, CA – The 12th Annual Village Runner St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk, and Chase Stecyk Leprechaun Dash for Gold is returning to Redondo Beach on Sunday, March 15, starting at 8 a.m. in Riviera Village,. The St. Patrick’s Day 5k is a fun, family healthy lifestyle event with widespread participation across the entire South Bay Beach Communities. “We are expecting over 2,500 runners to take the starting line this year, ‘stated Race Director and Founder, Mike Ward. Leprechaun costumes, shamrock face paint, and green and gold outfits make this one of the most exciting running events this side of the Emerald Isles! The race honors the memory of Chase Stecyk, who grew up in Redondo Beach.
Race participants are encouraged to wear green in honor of Chase’s favorite color and for his favorite holiday, Saint Patrick’s Day. Chase was just eleven years old when he died of a tumor that paralyzed him from the waist down. In memory of Chase, Director Mike Ward has renamed the Kid’s Race to ‘The Chase Stecyk Leprechaun Dash for Gold’ and official Village Runner St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts will be colored green. Proceeds from the race will go to charities supporting the memory of Chase Stecyk, in addition to helping out local high school cross country and track teams.
A Costume Contest keeps the energy going as runners show up in their wackiest (and greenest!) St. Patrick’s Day attire! The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8am, immediately followed by The Chase Stecyk Leprechaun Dash for Gold at 9:30am. There will be chip timing and age division awards for the fastest times. There will also be a team competition where the team with the top five fastest combined times will earn a special award. After the race, the awards ceremony and post-race celebration will be held at the Rock & Brews on PCH.
A former top high school, college, and post collegiate distance runner, Ward brings a lifetime of running experience to create events designed always for the runners. “Our course is flat, fast, scenic, but also challenging for the runners,” said Ward, “The participants often set PR’s in our race. So come run in your favorite holiday outfits and enjoy the party afterward.” Race registration is now open at the Village Runner Website. For more information or to register online visit www.villagerunner.com.