More than 3,000 runners pounded the pavement on Sunday for the 7th Annual Santa Monica Classic and enjoyed perfect running weather, a flat and fast course and a finisher’s medal in the form of wayfarer-style sunglasses.
This iconic race course showcases the historic City Hall and Santa Monica Civic Center and quickly moves uptown to Ocean Avenue, San Vicente Boulevard’s picturesque panorama views and back to the finish at the Santa Monica Pier.
In addition, it helps to raise awareness for the environmental non-profit Heal the Bay, with many participants running to show their support.
Thousands of spectators crowded Ocean Avenue to cheer on the runners, creating an electric atmosphere for both the 5 and 10k events.
A number of celebrity participants added to the atmosphere of the race, including actors Jamie Lee Curtis, Sean Astin and Andrea Barber, as well as KTLA Morning News Anchor Chris Schauble.
Both Astin and Schauble have completed the Honda LA Marathon, with Astin taking part in this year’s race.
“We were thrilled to see so many local competitors and spectators come out this morning to take part in this exciting event,” said LA MARATHON LLC Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl. “The fact that the Santa Monica Classic keeps growing each year is a real testament to the fantastic course, great giveaways and our valuable partnership with Heal the Bay.”
For the first time since the event was created, a $1,050 prize purse was split among the first three male and female finishers of the 10K race.
The 10K and 5K winners also took home eco-friendly recycled glass trophies handed out at the awards ceremony.
All participants – donning their finisher t-shirts and wayfarer sunglasses – visited an exciting finish line expo at the pier that featured nutrition, fitness and health-related vendors.
The winners of the 10K were Christian Tregillis, with a time of 34:34.1, and Laura Conley, who crossed the finish line in 39:00.8.
Each took home $300. In the 5K, Kevin Purcell won the men’s division with a time of 16:55.5, and Rocio Pelayo was the top woman, finishing in 18:07.5.
They each won a Nike+ SportWatch GPS. Prizes were also awarded for the second and third place finishers in each division.
For photos of Sunday morning’s race, which is an LA MARATHON LLC event, visit
http://www.yogile.com/12santamonicaclassic#51m.