In a morning of thrilling finishes overlooking the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Irish Olympian Alistair Cragg set a new course record of 13:54 and held off Kenyan Aron Rono (14:05) in the fifth annual Lexus Santa Monica 5000 presented by K-Swiss.
The men’s 10k was equally as exciting as Ugandan Samuel Kosgei (29:06) pulled away from Jim Grabow (29:11) in the final mile to set a new 10k course record above the Santa Monica Pier.
The women¹s divisions also featured some impressive performances from 2010 Olympian Jen Rhines (16:00) in the 5k and Emily Harrison (35:38) who held off 2009 winner Grace Padilla (36:04) ) in the 10k.
“Today was an epic performance of human athleticism,” said event director Brennan Lindner, of Generic Events. “To have this caliber of elite athletes from around the World showcase their talents, was a treat for the runners and residents of Santa Monica.”
Under cool (62 F / 17C) and cloudy conditions, over 2,500 runners started the 5k / 10k course within the City of Santa Monica, a seaside retreat and one of the most active cities of California. Many new faces led the way in one of the most popular events of the fall racing season, according to Competitor magazine and Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine.
Race proceeds will help provide vital support for essential services and community programs offered by Saint John¹s Health Center. Saint John’s Health Center provides exceptional care to families from over 41 zip codes in Santa Monica and throughout greater Los Angeles.
Event coordinators asked to send out a special thanks to race sponsors, Lexus, K-Swiss, Clif Bar, financial partner Caltius Capital Management, Trader Joe¹s and YELP.com.
Results
5k Race
Men
1. Alistair Cragg, Boston, MA, 13:44 $800
2. Aron Rono, Santa Fe, NM, 14:05 $600
3. Devin Swan, Raleigh, NC, 14:52 $400
Women
1. Jen Rhimes, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 16:00 $800
2. Linsday Allen, Flagstaff, AZ, 16:41 $600
3. Danielle Domenichelli, Flagstaff, AZ, 16:52 $400
10k Race
Men
1. Samuel Kosgei, Santa Fe, NM (Uganda), 29:06.4 $600
2. Jim Grabow, Long Beach, CA 29:11 $400
3. Sergio Reyes, Palmdale, CA, 29.13 $200
Women
1. Emily Harrison, Flagstaff, AZ 35:41 $600
2. Grace Padilla, Los Angeles, 36:04 $400
3. Karla Alburez, Los Angeles CA 36:22 $200
