The Manhattan Beach Hometown 10k Run was founded in 1978 by a group
of local runners who wanted to have a race "in town." It has always been a
partnership between the City of Manhattan Beach and the Race Committee. This
partnership makes keeping the race true to its original concept possible — the
race is a true community event.
The goals [then and now] are to: (1) Start on time; (2) give lots
of awards; and (3) keep advertising OFF of the t-shirts. To our knowledge the
Hometown 10k is the only race in the top 100 without a major corporate sponsor.
[cite]
How do we do it? First, the Race Committee is comprised solely of
volunteers. Second, the City of Manhattan Beach generously provides law
enforcement, paramedics and public works support. Finally, race "sponsors"
donate food, drinks and services at the EXPO following the race. Hence, even
though our sole source of "income" is from entry fees . . . we make a profit.
The "profit" is returned to the community in the form of
scholarships to high school seniors living in Manhattan Beach and to various
enhancements to the recreation facilities of local schools and parks. Examples
of past projects are:
-
$11,000 exercise facility at the Manhattan Beach Middle School;
-
Yearly donations [in the thousands of dollars] to the Mira Costa High School
PTSA [they provide us with traffic control and water station volunteers];
-
A climbing wall at Manhattan Heights Park;
-
New equipment for the Mira Costa Track Program.
- The par course at the Strand and 26th.
Over the years, the Hometown 10k has made donations back to the
community in excess of $250,000.
See you on Race Day!!!!
|