Photo Credit Josh Montoya / McCourt Foundation
The McCourt Foundation Introduces Exciting Changes to 2024 Race, Hosting RRCA National 5K Championship on Sunday, September 8, 2024
SANTA MONICA – June 5, 2024 – The Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS will celebrate its 19th running with an updated experience when it hits the scenic streets of Santa Monica on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The oceanfront road race annually welcomes more than 7,000 participants.
The revamped route includes a new start line conveniently located near the familiar finish line on Ocean Avenue. Runners will enjoy more distance along Ocean Avenue with a scenic blend of city streets and panoramic coastal views, with a newly located finish festival on the 3rd Street Promenade. The pedestrian-friendly zone, known for its vibrant atmosphere, offers runners and spectators alike a perfect backdrop to celebrate their achievements.
“We are excited to welcome runners to this year’s Santa Monica Classic, where they can experience a community coming together to celebrate fitness, fun, and the scenic beauty of downtown Santa Monica,” said Andrew Thomas, CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. “This event is a fantastic way to showcase our community’s charm, the many businesses Downtown, and the refreshed course improvements, which will surely provide an unforgettable experience in September.”
September’s race is also set to raise the competitive bar by hosting the 2024 Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) National 5K Championship, marking a prestigious addition to the 3.1-mile distance. Founded in 1958, the RRCA is the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States with over 1,500 running club and event members representing 200,000 runners.
“The Santa Monica Classic is a fitting host for the RRCA National 5K Championship,” added Murphy Reinschreiber, Chief Operating Officer of The McCourt Foundation. “The Classic is an established event at a world-class destination. It’s both a perfect showcase for those competing for an RRCA Championship and a fantastic all-around experience for everyone participating and their families.”
In addition, the 10k will start earlier, at 7:30am followed by the 5K start at 9am. The new race routes have been carefully designed to enhance the runner’s experience and further ease traffic and parking concerns. The 10K route offers a challenging yet picturesque course, while the 5K provides a fast, beautiful backdrop for competitors vying for national titles or personal bests.
To view the new course maps or to register for the 2024 Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS, please visit SantaMonicaClassic.com.
About Santa Monica Classic
The 19th annual Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS is operated by The McCourt Foundation. Since 1992, The McCourt Foundation (TMF) has been an organization whose mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world. TMF makes a difference through the support of neurology research, hosting free educational forums, supporting local youth health & wellness programs, and through our partnership program where 105+ nonprofits use our events as a platform to raise funds and create awareness for their organization. Further information about the Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS can be found online at santamonicaclassic.com.
