Do you know what happens every February in Brea?
It is the Brea 8K Classic Race/Walk. This year it begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 25, and is a USATF certified course. The 8K takes place rain or shine. Go to www.brea8K.com to register. Do it soon, too.
This is the 31st year of the 8K Classic that began with 68 participants. This year, 2,000 runners and walkers from all over SoCal are expected to hit the pavement for the 5.1-mile race through Brea streets.
Race Director Elizabeth Fuchs said net proceeds from the 8K Classic, including entry fees, sponsorships and donations, benefit Brea Olinda High School’s instrument music programs, choir and color guard.
The 8K Classic has three events. The biggest is the race for runners, walkers and even a wheelchair division. There is a virtual race for those who rather run or walk without others, and a Fun Run for kids age 10 and younger. The youngsters’ race has its own course and goes from 10 to 10:30 a.m. And like all the other racers, the Fun Runners will receive an official Brea 8K Classic T-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Pretty cool.
Register for the race as an individual or a team. Maybe get some friends to join as a team, or sign up your family to run/walk as a team. To save 10% on your race entry, register by Feb. 14 at www.brea8K.com.
Just put in the coupon code 24HEART to receive the discount. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Mayor Christine Marick said, thanks to her teenager, their family races every year.
This year is a bit different since she is mayor. “I’ll be officially kicking off the race, and we have a busy day of events already planned,” Marick said.
Councilmember Steve Vargas said he’s run the race for years with his neighbor, Kenny Suierveld, and will again this year.
Councilmember Cecilia Hupp said she and her husband, Scott, have participated in the 8K many times and probably will this year. Most of the school board will be in the race, including board president Paul Ruiz.
Just don’t include Fido in your team. Fuch noted that due to insurance coverage changes, except for service dogs, dogs are not allowed in the race. Strollers are still allowed.
The race course starts on East Birch Street, by the Brea Mall, and takes participants over Brea streets, including Associated Road, Lambert Road, Kraemer Boulvard to East Birch Street, and State College Boulevard to the finish line at the Brea Mall.
Come cheer on your friends and family in the race.
According to Fuchs they need approximately 500 to 700 volunteers along the race route to help keep non-participants off the race course, hand cups of water to runners and walkers and other easy duties. Or volunteer to work at the registration table or wherever extra hands are needed that day. Email volunteers@brea8K.com to be a race day volunteer.
Beyond the finish line, in the mall parking lot, the weary racers will find the 8K food court with snacks, food samples and beverages from several area restaurants, and all for free, but for racers only. Your racer’s bib is your entry ticket to the 8K food court.
As in years past, the Brea Mall is the presenting sponsor and other returning sponsors include Snail’s Pace Running Shop, FIT Design, Sheila Buonauro Team, Alex Horowitz Group, Brea Chamber of Commerce, 7-Eleven and many others including the City of La Habra – La Habra Races.
Sponsorships are available until Feb. 14. Go to website for sponsorship information.
The awards ceremony will be near the food court and corporate sponsor area. Trophies will go to the fastest male and female, top three male and female runners and to the biggest team.
Want to win? Be a runner or walker in the 31st Brea 8K Classic.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at daxoncomm@gmail.com.
