The seventh annual Santa Monica 5000 returns to the streets of Santa Monica this Sunday, Oct. 7 in the name of raising money for local public school athletic programs that are face funding shortfalls.
This year’s event is expected to raise more than $75,000, up from $47,000 last year, according to Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation’s Executive Director Linda Greenberg Gross.
“We are grateful to partner with the Santa Monica 5000 and excited to rally the community to support school athletics,” Greenberg Gross said. “Sadly, teams have to constantly raise funds for equipment and other supplies throughout the year. This race gives each team and school the opportunity to raise a significant amount of money through just one event. By teaming up with the Santa Monica 5000, we encourage fitness and raise money at the same time. This is a total win-win.”
The Education Foundation will receive a percentage of entry fees and sponsorship revenues.
To further fundraising, each school athletic team has created web pages to raise money directly for their programs.
Matthew Flanders, Samohi Water Polo and Swim Coach, said he cannot underestimate the impact that the SM 5000 has had on its program.
“We have been underfunded for so long, but the SM 5000 has allowed us to earn the funds to provide the quality of program (our students) deserve,” Flanders said.
The Santa Monica 5000 is organized by Brennan and Michelle Lindner, the principals in
Generic Events and the parents of two young children.
“We met at a triathlon many years ago, and we know how important fitness is to the physical and mental health of a family,” said Brennan.
The Santa Monica 5000 includes 5K/10K run/walks, a 3K Dash for Kids and Stroller Stride for parents, pushing newborns and toddlers in strollers.
Races begin at 7:30am with staggered start times.
All events take place on a scenic course that starts next to the beach at Ocean Park Blvd. and ends at the world famous Santa Monica Pier with a free celebration featuring live music from student musicians, fitness demos and sampling of sponsor products.
Activities for children include balloon animals, face painting, and a magician. In addition, all rides at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will be open starting at 11 a.m. on race morning.
Information is available and online race registration at www.santamonica5000.com or by calling 310.821.7898.
To donate to an SMMUSD sports team or P.E. department, visit www.imathlete.com/donate/santamonica5000.
