SAN DIEGO–The 16th edition of the Silver Strand Half Marathon and 5K will be held November 15 at Sunset Park on Coronado Island in San Diego.
The event is the USA Track and Field Sanctioned Race, and the National Leg Amputee 5K Championship Race.
The half marathon course is a fast, flat, point-to-point route that starts in Sunset Park and travels south along the Silver Strand to the Imperial Beach Pier. There are also 5K and 10-mile options for runners, walkers, skaters, hand cyclists, wheel chair athletes and a new category for Elliptigo riders. Also new for 2016 is a unique, commemorative surfboard bottle opener Finisher’s Medal.
“The Silver Strand Half Marathon has something for everyone,” said Carrie Panek of KOZ Events, the organization that produces the race. “There are nine unique events with fifteen age group classifications each, and three course distances.”
She continues: “This year, we’ve added a new Elliptigo category, the inaugural 10-Mile Championships of Elliptical Cycling, and we have one of the longest inline skating events in the country. Plus, we’re honored to offer race divisions for Challenged Athletes and active duty military. Our event beneficiary is the Challenged Athletes Foundation Operation Rebound.”
Operation Rebound helps change the lives of physically challenged athletes by giving them the opportunity to live an active lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics. KOZ Events encourages athletes to donate to, and fundraise for, the program, and offers discounted registration to members of the military and CAF.
Sponsors of the 2015 edition of the Silver Strand Half Marathon and 5K include RoadRunner Sports, which hosts an Expo and Packet Pickup at its Copley Drive location, GranFondo Cycling Tours, Invigorade Endurance Drink, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Pulse Endurance Sports, and Rehab United.
Panek said she expects up to 5,000 participants to race on foot, inline skates, roller blades, Elliptigos, hand cycles or wheel chairs on November 15. The half marathon course is open to runners and walkers, and provides a rare opportunity to run through the U.S. Navy’s Silver Strand Training Complex, where Navy SEALs often train. There are seven aid stations on the route.
The 10-mile course is open to runners, walkers, skaters, hand cycles, wheel chairs, and Elliptigos. The 5K course, which is an out-and-back from the Imperial Beach Pier, is open to runners, walkers, families, kids, and strollers.
Participants on all courses enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego Bay, a racer’s goodie bag, timed results, continental breakfast, and professional race photos.
The racers converge at the Imperial Beach ‘Party at the Pier’, where they receive the new 2016 surfboard-shaped Finisher’s Medal, a unique keepsake that doubles as a bottle opener. The Party at the Pier includes a view of the finish line, live entertainment, the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden, post race food, fluids, massages, and award ceremonies.
To accommodate numerous participants, shuttle bussing is available from Silver Strand State Beach, Imperial Beach, and Coronado City Hall, and discounted registration is available to residents of Coronado and Imperial Beach.
Additional information about the Silver Strand Half Marathon and a link to registration are available online at www.kozevents.com.
