MB10K Spotlight: Mike Ward

Meet Mike Ward

Mike Ward is a South Bay local and owns the Village Runner stores in Manhattan and Redondo Beach. We are privileged to have Village Runner as one of our race sponsors. The Village Runner, Manhattan Beach provides sponsorship by distributing bib numbers, graciously providing us a place for in-store registration, and providing food at the Expo.  It would be difficult to put on this event without them.

Our Q & A With Mike

You were a star track and cross country runner in high school and college. Give us a little background about your personal running career.

I ran cross country and track at West Torrance High school.  I also played soccer for West.  I always felt that the cross country, soccer and track combination always worked out very well for me.  In other words, “Cross country got me in great shape for soccer and soccer kept me in good shape for track.”  I was an 800 meter runner in track which I feel is a great event for soccer players (and basketball players).

After West High, I attended El Camino.  I also ran cross country and track there.  Our cross country team was very good my freshman year and I had a great time, but I must admit that my true passion was running the 1,500 meters on the track.  I really looked forward to track workouts (the more challenging the better).  I ran a 3:52 and came in 5th in the State. I got injured in the summer of 1989, so I took a break during the 1989-1990 season.  I came back to run in 1990 and 1991 but never got close to the times that I ran my freshman year.  In hindsight, it probably wasn’t wise to gain 30 lbs.!!  

You have 2 Village Runner locations, tell us how you got your start in the running business.  

I started working at the Village Runner in 1989.  By 1992, the owner decided that she was ready to sell the store.  Although, I was only 23 at the time, I expressed interest in buying the store and we began to have a conversation.  By August of 1992, I was able to borrow enough cash from family and friends to purchase the store.  I often tell people that I went from working at the Village Runner for $8 an hour as an employee on July 31st, 1992 to owning the Village Runner and paying myself about $3 an hour on August 1st, 1992.

Over the years you have donated over $200,000 to various South Bay causes through proceeds from your races. Why is it so important for you to give back to the community in this way?

I think that part of the reason the South Bay is such a great place to live is because of the great support that all of the local businesses do to enhance the local schools and other local non-profits in the area.  I’m grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.    

This year you are generously giving money towards Mira Costa High School’s running programs with our upcoming Bib Promotion - when people purchase a $140 Village Runner gift certificate, $40 will go to Mira Costa. How do you hope that money will benefit their programs?  

I think that running is a great sport/activity.  I’ve seen people throughout the years that have had life altering experiences because of running.  I think that supporting local running programs such as Mira Costa gives them a better opportunity to touch the lives of more students in a positive way.

How did you first get involved with the Manhattan Beach 10K?  

I opened up my current location in Manhattan Beach in 2004.  With some help from Scott Guerrero, we started hosting the packet pick-up for the race in 2005 or 2006.  Since that time, we’ve had a great relationship with the MB10K.  I am proud to be associated with such a great community event that is enjoyed by thousands of Manhattan Beach residents every year.

Have you ever run the MB10K yourself?  

I have run the MB10K a few times.

If so, what do you love most about the race?  

I love the great sense of community and the positive energy that surrounds you as you run in the MB10K.  Also, although the course is somewhat of a challenge, it’s always fun to run through downtown MB and I love the last mile of running with a beautiful ocean view.

The running industry has seen it’s ups and downs over the past few years, what is your secret to success with your popular stores and races?  

Support from the local community is the reason that the Village Runner stores and events have succeeded and it is greatly appreciated.  I also give a ton of credit to my staff for offering knowledgeable, friendly service throughout the years.

Please Note!

Online Registration for the MB10K is going on NOW at www.mb10k.com and ends October 2, 2017.

In-store Registration is now open at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach and ends October 6th at 7 pm.

EARLY REGISTRATION PRICING NOW - SEPTEMBER 25TH:

• $30 Youth (14 & under)

• $35 Adults

VILLAGE RUNNER, MANHATTAN BEACH

• 1840 N. Sepulveda Blvd

• Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

STORE HOURS:

• Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join Us Tomorrow!

We will have a booth at the Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market tomorrow, September 12, 2017! Stop by and say hello and check out what we have going on:

• Race poster with the history of our 10K t-shirt artwork
• Buttons and pins with our 1978 retro running man*
• Stickers*
• $3 online registration discount coupons*
• Show up in an MB10K race finisher tee from the past & let us post a photo on social media to earn goodies*!

*Limited quantities, while supplies last.  

Let’s get social!

Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news, updates, training tips, sponsors, volunteer opportunities & information about our awesome race and our beautiful hometown.

Share with your friends on social media that you have registered for the race and invite them to run or walk with you.

Anytime you post about the race, use our hashtags:

• #mb10k
• #thisis40

Image Credit:  Mike Ward & Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market

THE MB10K IS A NON-PROFIT EVENT AND THE PROCEEDS ARE DONATED TO COMMUNITY FITNESS-RELATED CAUSES & SCHOLARSHIPS. THE RACE COMMITTEE ORGANIZERS AND RACE STAFF ARE VOLUNTEERS.

COME CELEBRATE OUR 40TH BIRTHDAY WITH US AND RUN OR WALK - OCTOBER 7, 2017 AT 7:30 AM!

We'll see you at the starting line!

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No Tricks, Just Treats

Come And Get ‘Em

If you placed in the Top 10 for your age division, family team, or 200 lb. division and did not get your medals on race day or at the Hometown Fair MB10K Booth, they are patiently waiting for their owners to bring them home! All results are now final. Link to 2016 results here.

All medals must be picked up on or before Tuesday, November 15.

Any unclaimed medals will be recycled for future use.

Please get them at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach

• 1840 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
• Hours: 10-7 Monday through Saturday, 11-6 Sunday

Such A Deal

Village Runner, Manhattan Beach has generously offered a promotion for those of you who come in! Present this email on your phone or print it out and receive $10.00 off your purchase of $50.00 or more. This offer expires 11.30.16 Please contact Village Runner, Manhattan Beach for any exclusions that may apply.

I Spy An MB10K Race Shirt

We’d love to see pictures of you wearing your 2016 race shirt! Post them on social media and use #mb10k. We will share them on our social pages and help spread the #mb10k love!

Tag us:

• Instagram: @mb10krun
• Facebook: Manhattan Beach 10K Run
• Twitter: @mbeach10k

Save The Date

Come celebrate our 40th birthday with us and run or walk - October 7, 2017 at 7:30 AM!  You don't to want to miss it!

Image Credits: Endurance Sports Photo & Rachel Judson

The MB10K is a non-profit event and the proceeds are donated to community fitness-related causes & scholarships. The Race Committee organizers and race staff are volunteers.

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Spotlight On Club Ed

One Of Our Faves

The South Bay is fortunate to have many run clubs. One of our personal favorites is Club Ed! This group always has a huge presence at the #mb10k each year and we appreciate their support and participation.

We had the good fortune to interview the head honcho himself, Ed Avol and a prominent member of the club and elite runner in her own right, Nathalie Higley.

About Club Ed

Club Ed is a running club whose goal is to help runners of all ages and fitness enjoy the sport of running at all levels of speed, experience, and talent. It provides organized venues for members to train and experienced guidance to help runners of all levels improve. With a low-key approach to personal improvement fueled by each runner’s individual motivation, the club provides a way for new runners to meet other local runners, discover new places to run, and to learn and practice better ways to train. It also encourages support of the local running community by helping out at local races and encouraging members to challenge themselves through periodic racing.

For more iInformation about Club Ed click here.

Our Q & A With Ed

When and how did you start club Ed?

I previously had coached the Manhattan Beach Track Club (MBTC) in the latter half of the 1980s, then moved away for a job opportunity. When I returned to the area in 1992, several former runners from MBTC approached me and asked if I would coach them again…so I did.

What is your running philosophy?

I approach running as a lifetime activity – at most any age, you can train and run and race, at a level of competition and achievement that you define for yourself. Running is social at times, and hard work at other times. Training–wise, I believe in a strong foundation of distance upon which interval training, recovery days, and a structured plan (instead of random running) combine to lead to personal improvement…but it comes from the individual – I cannot “force” you to run.

What is your favorite #mb10k moment?

Historically, a highlight for me was something we don’t do anymore -- running out and back on the pier (in the old days of the race) in the last rush to the finish. Nowadays, an annual highlight is getting to that seemingly never-ending last mile along the Strand, where the Finish Line doesn’t seem to ever be getting much closer…but you somehow get there!

What are your best tips to train for a 10k?

Give yourself time to build a base – trying to do this in a few weeks is a prescription for injury and frustration. For most any distance and any running, getting a training partner – someone with whom to share the highs and lows, someone to keep you “honest” in your effort and consistency, even someone to “guilt” you into showing up on those days you are dragging and don’t want to run – is the best thing you can do for your training.

What's your best race tip for a first time/novice runner for a 10k?

Have a plan … and work towards it. Preparation, consistency, confidence, and commitment dramatically improve the chances for success.

Our Q & A With Nathalie

Why do you run with Club Ed?

I always feel it is better to run with a group. The club is an opportunity to get together and train with people who are very friendly and have access to a very knowledgeable coach. There’s a need to be social, to be challenged and to be better and the club meet those needs. It also feels like a family and a social gathering, you see these people on a regular basis and you share a passion for running with them.

How many #mb10k races have you run?

I think about 17 or 18.

How many of these have you won?

12! (Way to go, Nathalie!)

What do you love about the #mb10k?

It is always nice to get to the finish and see the beautiful pier. It is a great course and a challenging course. I enjoy seeing all the people cheering you on and listening to the music and all the support along the way. It is fun and entertaining and always fun to head off to the Hometown Fair Beer Garden afterwards!

Save money & register before midnight tonight! (we’re talking 11:59 p.m. people) Fees increase September 20th!

2 ways to register:

• Online at www.mb10k.com until 9.26
• In-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach until 9.30
• 1840 N Sepulveda Blvd.
• Hours: 10-7 Monday through Saturday, 11-6 Sunday

Please Note!

• No race day registration!

• Walkers welcome
• Please no strollers or dogs
• Bib number pick-up at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach on:

                  Wednesday, September 28

                  Thursday, September 29

                   Friday, September 30

Image Credit: MB10K

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

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And The Band Played On

We Are Unique

The Manhattan Beach 10K is unique in many ways. One special way that we set ourselves apart from other races is that we have bands along the course that play to entertain and motivate the runners as they head to that gorgeous finish line.

Today we are featuring one of these bands, Fallen Arches, formerly known as the Dennis O’Hanlon Assemblage. We were able to interview the founder Dennis O’Hanlon and Frank Giffen, who now manages the band.

Meet Dennis

We lived in Hermosa Beach for 30 years until 2009, when we moved to Gig Harbor, WA. My wife Bonnie and I often come down to see friends and play the 10K run gig. Bonnie and I have been playing on that same corner on Blanche since 1989.

We have always surrounded ourselves with musician friends. I am a semi-retired guitarist, bassist and singer.  Still do some gigs up here. I passed the band over to Frank Giffen a few years ago.  

Meet Frank

I found Dennis’ group the first time I ran the 10K.  I’d been enjoying the other bands along the route and as I was coming up the street I could hear, but not see, the band, and I thought, “That sounds like Dennis and Bonnie,” and then quickly discovered that it WAS Dennis and Bonnie and the others. I stopped and said “Hello,” Peter Yollin gave me his guitar and I played a song with them, then went back and finished the race.  

A year or two later, I left my guitar and amp with them beforehand and then ran the race, stopping to play another song when I got to that corner.  After that, Dennis invited me to play with them each year, and when he moved to Washington, he gave the gig to me.  

Peter and his son Max have played with me and a couple of former bandmates I recruited each year, and aside from the early call time, it’s a fun gig.  I love seeing co-workers, friends, and one year my daughter, running the race and calling out their names as they run by.  And of course, Dennis’ song is always a treat to sing.

The Manhattan Beach 10K Run Song

Dennis wrote a song entitled The Manhattan Beach 10K Run Song around 1995! It has been sung at every race since. We asked him some questions about the song and the race.

What inspired you to write the song?

The inspiration was all the fun those folks running by were having.  Most of the songs we did were running related..."Born to Run", "Walk Don't Run","Running on Empty", and of course near the end, the stragglers would hear something like "Baby Elephant Walk"  So I based my song on the Ronnette's hit that had the chorus, "Da do run run, da do run run". Mine has the riff "They do Run Run....

What’s your favorite memory about playing at the Manhattan Beach 10K?  

Bonnie and I loved seeing the folks who lived near our corner come out each year.  We saw, in 27 years, young families blossom.  Small children grew and went off to college.  Lovely to be a part of that longevity.

How was the corner on Blanche chosen as your spot to play?  

There was a bluegrass band on that corner way back in 1985.  They had been there for a few years, but opted not to continue.  John Post was a friend of mine from my old craft show days. He knew I was a musician and asked me if I wanted to do the gig.  For the first few years we were a bluegrass group, banjo, stand-up bass etc.  We morphed into more a contemporary band.

Sing Along

Now as you pass the Fallen Arches you can sing along with them!

The Manhattan Beach 10K Run Song

Verse 1:

They got up in the morning and they started the race

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

The leaders came by early and were setting the pace

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Chorus:

Yeah, they came up the hill

Yeah, we were standing still

Yeah, it was such a thrill

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Verse 2:

Some ran for glory, some ran for fun,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Underneath Manhattan Beach’s morning sun,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Chorus

Verse 3:

You all get a T-shirt for running along,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

We get a T-shirt for singing a song,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Chorus

Verse 4:

They make a hard left and Rosecrans and head to the sea,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

They leave us behind and the armory,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Chorus

Verse 5

They started the race looking fresh an neat,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Not even half way and they’re dragging their feet,

They do run run, yeah, they do run run

Chorus

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

• Register online at mb10k.com

• Prices increase on September 20th

• Online registration will close on September 26th

• $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

• $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach is now open & closes September 30th.

• Address: 1840 N Sepulveda Blvd.,  Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

• Hours: 10-7 Monday through Saturday, 11-6 Sunday

There will be NO race day registration!

Image Credit: John Post

We'll see you at the starting line on October 1, 2016!

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Special Treat For Those Who Registered in August!

THIS IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO REGISTERED FOR THE #MB10K IN August!

The early bird gets the worm…or in this case the bib number!

Thank you for taking advantage of Early Registration! We’re so excited & already processing numbers! These numbers are ready ahead of schedule!!  Not only did you get a discounted price, YOUR BIB IS READY for pick-up at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach!

How To Get It

MUST SHOW THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL YOU RECEIVED (YOU CAN ALSO SHOW IT FROM YOUR PHONE) IN THE STORE AND THEIR FRIENDLY STAFF WILL GIVE YOU YOUR RACE NUMBER.

If someone else is picking up your bib for you, please print the confirmation email or forward the email to them so they can show it at the store.

While You Are There...

If you need that new pair of shoes or fresh running bra, this just might be the perfect time!

Village Runner, Manhattan Beach

• 1840 N. Sepulveda Blvd
• Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

STORE HOURS:

• Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Questions?

Village Runner is not responsible for calls/inquiries about the MB 10K Run.

PLEASE EMAIL US: MB10KRUN@YAHOO.COM

The MB10K is a non-profit event and the proceeds are donated to community fitness-related causes & scholarships. The Race Committee organizers & event staff are volunteers. The Village Runner, Manhattan Beach provides sponsorship by helping us distribute bib numbers, graciously provides a place for us to have in-store registration, plus will be providing food at the Expo.  It would be difficult to put on this event without them.

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

Image Credit: Annmarie Hext

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Upcoming Events To Check Out

Come Say Hi At The Farmers Market

The #MB10K is going to be at the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market on Tuesday, September 6, 2016! We will have a booth with some exciting giveaways! While you are there, take a stroll around the vendor booths to check out all the local summer produce, seafood and artisan hot and prepared food.

#MB10K Giveaways

• Stickers
• Buttons
• Discount code for online registration (can only use on 9.6.16)

How To Get The Goods

• If you come wearing an MB10K t-shirt you can choose any 1 of the 3 giveaways!
• If you follow us on Facebook - Manhattan Beach 10K Run, Instagram - @mb10krun or Twitter - @mbeach10k you can choose a sticker or button!
• If you post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter about the race while AT the booth you can receive a discount code for online registration (can only use on 9.6.16)

Hours

Tuesday 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where

13th Street between Morningside Drive and Valley/Ardmore

Parking

Metered parking is available in the underground Metlox parking lot.

We look forward to seeing you there! Make sure to stop by early before all the goodies are gone. For more details about the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market, visit their website here.

Need A Training Run?

Join the LA Kings and Daryl Evans at the Annual LA Kings 5K Run / Walk benefiting the Hydrocephalus Association on Saturday, September 17! We believe this is a great training race to prep yourself for the #mb10k and an awesome charity event. It takes place in Redondo Beach, starting in the Riviera Village near Village Runner.

Vendor Village

Bring the family and stop by the booths after the race for all kinds of fun activities. They will have hockey games, raffles, Bailey (the LA Kings mascot) will be there, members of the Ice Crew and some LA Kings players will be there as well!

For More Information & Online Race Registration

Visit: LAKings.com/5k

Prices increase on 9.1.16

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

• Register online at mb10k.com

• $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

• $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach opens September 1st and closes September 30th . Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th.

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

Image Credits: Manhattan Beach Farmers Market & LA Kings

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Special Treat For Those Who Registered In July!

This is EXCLUSIVELY for those of you who registered for the #mb10k in JULY!!!

The early bird gets the worm…or in this case the bib #!

We love our early birds and we have one more treat for you! Not only did you get the best price, YOUR BIB IS READY for pick-up at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach!

How To Get It

Must show the confirmation email you received (you can also show it from your phone) into the store and their friendly staff will give you your race number.

While You Are There...

If you need that new pair of shoes or fresh running bra, this just might be the perfect time!

Village Runner, Manhattan Beach

• 1840 N. Sepulveda Blvd
• Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Store Hours:

• Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Questions?

Village Runner is not responsible for calls/inquiries about the MB 10K Run.

Please email us: mb10krun@yahoo.com

The MB10K is a non-profit event and the proceeds are donated to community fitness-related causes & scholarships. The Race Committee organizers & event staff are volunteers. The Village Runner, Manhattan Beach provides sponsorship by helping us distribute bib numbers, graciously provides a place for us to have in-store registration, plus will be providing food at the Expo.  It would be difficult to put on this event without them.

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

Image Credit: Annmarie Hext

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People That Spread The #MB10K Love

Lending A Hand

We reached out to 2 popular websites and asked if they would promote our race. They kindly did and we are so grateful for their help! Check out their promotions for the run:

Dig MB

South Bay By Jackie

Spotlight On Dig MB

Are you up on all the happenings going on in the thriving city of Manhattan Beach? If you’d like to be more in the know, visit Dig MB here. This website is dedicated to keeping the community informed about all things from beach volleyball to education to where to get some grub and all things in between.

The Birth Of Dig MB

Jeanne Fratello, editor, saw that there was a need for a daily news source for all the events going on in Manhattan Beach and wanted to create a real booster for the city and share the great and positive things that happen here.

Where Did The Name Come From?

A lot of ideas were passed around but they decided to go with Dig MB because they really dig and love this place. What’s not to love?! It’s also evocative of digs made in volleyball and the simple act of digging in the sand.

How Dig MB Spreads The Good News

Besides updating their website constantly, Jeanne aims to send out a daily email newsletter featuring an event or issue. She also manages their very active Facebook account as well as Instagram and Twitter. Make sure to follow them so you can stay in the know!

You can reach out to her through email or social channels to alert her about an upcoming event. Dig MB is here for you and is a resource for the community of Manhattan Beach.

Spotlight On South Bay By Jackie

Jackie’s website is another gem to read about happenings not only in Manhattan Beach, but all over the South Bay. Jackie’s site is bursting with information about where to dine, what events are taking place and even an internet radio show highlighting those making a difference in our community. We love her So Bae section which features links for tweens, teens & young adults!

Follow Jackie Here

Check out her website: South Bay By Jackie

Or on social: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Help Spread The Word

We would love if you could spread the word about the Manhattan Beach 10K Run! All proceeds go directly back to our community so the more exposure we get the more $$$ for our terrific town! You can send a tweet, a shoutout on Instagram or Facebook, a newsletter or whatever creative way you come up with! Tag us on social so we can repost and use #mb10k. Thank you for you help and participation in our event!

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

• Register online at mb10k.com

• $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

• $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach opens September 1st and closes September 30th . Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th.

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

Image Credits: Dig MB & South Bay by Jackie

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Tips To Crush The Manhattan Beach 10K

Meet Erik

We have a guest writer for this week’s newsletter! Erik Taylor  is a local personal trainer in the South Bay and has a long history of running. You can check out more about him here: www.taylorsfitness.com

It’s August!

How did that happen already?  As the summer flies by, before you know it Fall will be here and you will be toeing the line on 3rd and Valley (or 4th and Ardmore) on that 1st Saturday of October.

There are less than 9 weeks to prepare for the race.  Now for the veterans who have run this race, that is no problem.  You have plenty of time, plenty of race experience, and you know exactly what to expect from a race course that definitely offers up its moments, to put it kindly.  

The #MB10K Is Special

The Manhattan Beach 10K is a race like no other.  It has a long tradition of bringing out some of the best runners in the South Bay. You run the final mile along the beach, finishing at the beautiful pier. They have team divisions like Mother-Daughter or Brother-Sister. After the race you will receive the best race T-shirt around, because the back of the shirt doesn’t look like a side panel of a NASCAR. Finally, let’s not forget about the P.I.E.R Group who are a group of locals that have run all 39 years.  I grew up in the Midwest and I’ve run hundreds of races and have never seen anything like this.

Are You Doing The Work?

So my question to you is…have you been putting in the work?  When training for a 5K procrastination is almost a given for many and often a badge of honor.  But a 10K is a little harder to get a passing grade in without putting in some work.  Give yourself a chance to run well and enjoy the race by putting in the road work and hitting the weights to help prepare your body for race day.

Tips To Help You Crush It On October 1st

1. It’s got to be the shoes, it’s got to be the shoes.  If you bought your shoes in 2015 or earlier it’s time for a fresh pair of kicks.  By far the most important purchase you will make and money well spent.  I suggest you head into the Village Runner and get fitted for a shoe that fits your biomechanical needs.  Do not forget to throw in a good pair socks to boot, there is nothing worse than blisters on your feet.

2. Get on a program.  Google is your friend here.  Look up 10K running plans and print off a copy. I suggest looking for a beginner or intermediate plan that fits your level of fitness.  If you are not sure about your current running level, be conservative and get a beginner plan.  DO NOT deviate from the program, it will only help you!

3. Oh those hills! The MB 10K course is hilly.  You have to plan some of your training around this fact.  Be proactive and do some of your training runs on hill courses or do hill repeats.

4. Hit the weights.  Strength training offers many benefits that go way beyond helping your running performance.  Squats, push-ups, inverted rows, and core work are all a perfect place to start. You do not need to become a power lifter but adding a little strength to your body will only help.

5. Hydrate!  There is nothing wrong with stopping at one of the water stations and taking a few sips.  Be smart!

6. Soak it in.  As I said, this race is like no other.  Enjoy the views and the crowd cheering you on to the finish!

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

• Register online at mb10k.com

• $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

• $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach opens September 1st and closes September 30th . Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th.

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

Image Credit: Gaffney

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Could You Use $1,000.00?!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the proceeds from the Manhattan Beach 10K Run go right into the community? Did you know that we award scholarships to Mira Costa High School Seniors? Thousands of dollars have been given to these deserving kids to help defray the ever-rising cost of college. Thank you for your participation in this run and assisting the students!

Meet Nick

Nick Zobel captained the Mira Costa Cross Country team his junior and senior year. He has run the race several times, quickly taking off for the starting line after belting out the National Anthem with the Mira Costa Choir.  He used the scholarship money that he received in 2011 to buy textbooks for his freshman year at U.S.C.

Why He Runs The #MB10K

Even though Nick now lives in Sacramento, working as an analytics specialist for the Sacramento Kings, he makes time to come back for the 10K. He says it’s a fun run that gets you out of bed early and has a beautiful course. It’s the perfect excuse for him to come home, get some exercise and reunite with friends at the Hometown Fair afterwards.

How To Apply For The MB10K Scholarship

The College and Career Center (CCC) at Mira Costa offers a Scholarship Notebook Program where they help seniors build submissions for scholarships based on their achievements and efforts over the course of their high school career.  The school posts all available scholarships and provides seniors with assistance in applying for them. A representative from the MB10K presents the scholarships at Senior Recognition Night in June.

Criteria For The MB10K Scholarship

• Minimum GPA 3.5
• Minimum 3 Years of running in the 10K or volunteering to help with the event.

Submission Requirements

• Application completed and submitted to the CCC by the stated deadline.
• Along with this application please include a copy of your transcripts, and letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, community members or employers.
• All applicants must include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher/coach/community member or employer.
• All applicants must meet requirements of CCC including completing scholarship notebook
• Applications must be turned in by applicant by deadline to the CCC. No exceptions. Do not pass through directly to MB10K, coach or other. Any applicant who does so will be disqualified from consideration.

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

• Register online at mb10k.com

• $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

• $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach opens September 1st and closes September 30th . Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th.

We'll see you at the starting line on October 1, 2016!

Image Credit: Nick Zobel

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Interesting Breakdown Of Who Is Registering

Thank You For Signing up!

This infographic is a snapshot of how Extra Savings for the #mb10k worked in the beginning of July. Our registrant list has continued to grow after this piece of data thanks to all of you who have already signed up! We appreciate YOU!

Who Is Missing?

If you look at these stats, we’ve got a big hole.

Who is missing?!

You got it, the 16-24 year olds. This demographic is the future of our race and we need to get them informed about our event.

Spread The Word

Who do you know in this age range? Can you assist us in getting the word out to them about this super event that benefits the Manhattan Beach community?

Hey parents, would your teenager be interested in running? It's a perfect activity to get them moving! We offer 2-person family teams. Awards are given to the top 10 combined finishing times! Read more about this in our FAQs.

Shout out to all our college grads! Congratulations and welcome home. Do you miss us? Because the #mb10k misses you!

Print out the 2016 flyer for them here. Tell them our web address. Forward this blog to them. Sponsor somebody. Whatever way you choose to spread the word, we thank you for your help!

Early Registration

We finished Extra Savings yesterday and today we move to Early Registration through September 19th, 2016.

 Pricing for July 11th - September 19th: 

• $30 Youth (under 15 years old)
• $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach opens September 1st and closes September 30th . Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th.

We'll see you at the starting line on October 1, 2016!

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Extra Savings!

Register Now!

Register today at mb10k.com for the Manhattan Beach 10K Run and enjoy EXTRA SAVINGS! 

Pricing

July 1st through July 10th prices are:

• $25 Youth (under 15 years old)
• $30 Adults

EXTRA SAVINGS will end July 10, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. PDT and prices will increase, so we encourage you to take advantage of this money saving opportunity now!

Incentive

Besides saving money at this time, we’ve added an extra bonus. If you register by July 10th you will be guaranteed the t-shirt style and size that you request!

Important!

Please note that registration for this special pricing is only available on our website mb10k.com and NOT at the Village Runner, Manhattan Beach.  You can register in-store during the month of September.

#MB10K

Share with your friends on social media that you have registered for the race and invite them to run with you. Use the hashtag #mb10k when you post!

Remember that the profits from this run go directly back to our Manhattan Beach schools and parks, so we want to get as many sign-ups as possible to keep generating those dollars back to the community.

We’ll see you at the starting line on October 1st, 2016!

Image Credit: Chris Miller

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We've Got A New Look!

Check Us Out!

We have a fresh, new look for the 39th running of the Manhattan Beach 10K Run! We have revamped our website and hope you agree that it looks pretty snazzy! If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, please do so here.

Take Note

First things first - please note that the race will take place on Saturday, October 1st, 2016 with a start time of 7:30 a.m. sharp.

Race Registration

Registration for the race will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for it. In the meantime, gather all your family and friends and encourage them to come out and run with you or cheer you on along the beautiful course!

Let's Be Friends

Let’s get social! Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news, updates, training tips, sponsors, volunteer opportunities and information about our awesome race and our beautiful hometown. Anytime you post about the race go ahead and use #mb10k, you never know, we may feature your post on our social pages. We can’t wait to see what you are up to with your race day training! 

Image Credit: Endurance Sports Photo

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