Sold-Out Race Set to Showcase Scenic Routes and Charitable Commitment
By Dolores Quintana
The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable as more than 6,000 runners prepare to lace up their sneakers for the 18th annual Volvo Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS, taking place this Sunday, September 10, on the picturesque Santa Monica Oceanfront.
This sold-out Southern California spectacle boasts three challenging race distances, including the 5K, 10K, and a Kids Run, offering participants a thrilling point-to-point journey along the stunning oceanfront streets of Santa Monica.
As it celebrates its 18th year, the Volvo Santa Monica Classic has become a cherished fixture in the local running community, drawing athletes from both near and far who seek to revel in the unparalleled beauty of Santa Monica’s coastline.
The race day kicks off with the 5K at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K start at 8:30 a.m. Both routes promise a scenic route that delivers panoramic vistas of the ocean, providing ample opportunities for runners to capture memorable race-day photos.
In addition to promoting fitness and fun, the Volvo Santa Monica Classic serves as a platform for the McCourt Foundation (TMF) to champion broader health and wellness initiatives. This year, over 100 participants will run with purpose as part of Team TMF, raising funds to combat neurological diseases.
Furthermore, the Santa Monica Classic has a history of partnering with local charitable organizations, embodying a spirit of giving back to the vibrant Santa Monica community. Thanks to its title sponsorship of the event, Volvo Car USA continues to support the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). ALSF first came to Volvo’s attention when Alexandra “Alex” Scott was nominated for the inaugural Volvo for Life award in 2002, a program that honors community heroes making extraordinary contributions.
John Duke, Senior Director of Partnerships for TMF, remarked, “Southern California’s fall racing season kicks off this Sunday in Santa Monica. Leveraging the Santa Monica Classic to assist Volvo in furthering its support for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation perfectly aligns with our mission to empower communities to build a healthier world. We’re proud to collaborate with Volvo to increase awareness and support for such a crucial health cause.”
For comprehensive information and race weekend details about the Volvo Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS, please visit santamonicaclassic.com. Additional information about Volvo’s role as a founding sponsor of ALSF can be found online at alexslemonade.org.
