People have difference preferences when it comes to races. Some like big, extravagant races with perks, entertainment and large crowds, while others prefer smaller races with less perks but usually benefit the community that the race is hosted in. The Carmel Valley 5K is the definitely the latter. It is only in its 3rd year but raises money for all the schools in its community, including:
Solana Beach Schools Foundation
Canyon Crest Foundation
Torrey Pines High School Foundation
Carmel Valley Middle School PTSA
Earl Warren Middle School PTSA
Notre Dame Academy
Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego Jewish Academy
Del Mar Pines
This is probably not applicable to most runners, but one of the other benefits of running small, local races is the increased chances of placing in your age group and/or the race. That’s exactly what happened to me when I ran Max’s Ring of Fire Lemon Run a few years ago, I was able to win my age group and placed 3rd overall!
Even if you don’t live in the Carmel Valley area (I did use to work there), it’s still for a great cause and will help benefit all of the schools listed above. The race is coming up, Saturday, January 24, 2015, register today!