Seven Days, Fitness, Santa Monica

Thousands Expected For Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run This Saturday

Posted Dec. 7, 2012, 12:58 am

Mitch James / Mirror Contributor

The popular Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run returns to local streets this Saturday, Dec. 8 with residents being warned of closures as several thousands runners pound the pavement.

Registration begins at 6 a.m. at the start/finish point of 2600 Barnard Way (where Ocean Park Boulevard meets the beach).

The 10K will start at 7:30 a.m., the 5K will start at 9:15 a.m., and the Kids Fun Run will start at 10:15 a.m.

From the start point, the course heads south along Ocean Avenue, turning briefly onto Marine Street before continuing south along Neilson Way. The route then proceeds north on Venice Boulevard just beyond Abbott Kinney Boulevard before circling back, using Abbot Kinney as a small loop to Washington Street, before returning to Venice Boulevard to meet up with the Venice Boardwalk for a straight stretch to the finish line.

Organizer Bruce Mitchell said the event was started in 1977.

“For more than three decades, it has not only remained a highly popular local run but the event has become an integral part of the Los Angeles community during the holiday season,” Mitchell said. “For many, the Christmas Run is the true start of the holidays.”

Last year’s 10K winner was Tonny Okello with a time of 29:25; the 5K winner was Nick Karwoski with a time of 14:28.

This year’s runner packet pickup will be held today, Dec. 7 from noon to 7 p.m. at TriFit Club & Studios, 2425 Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica.

Race day parking is $8 per vehicle at 2600 Barnard Way; organizers encourage participants to ride their bikes or catch public transport.

For more information, visit christmasrun.com.