For 45 years, the Manhattan Beach 10K has been as unique as the town it runs through.

The race is the largest "pure" 10K in California (meaning only a 10K run, no other races) and has been ranked as one of the top 100 road races in the United States. Of those top 100, it is the only one without a corporate sponsor, thanks to its all-volunteer race committee, and its only source of income being runners' entry fees. The race also donates all of its proceeds back to health and fitness projects and scholarships in town.

For the 45th running, the MB10K was designated by the Road Runners Clubs of America as the
California 10K State Championship race. Championship medals will be given out to the overall
male and female winners as well as in the 40+, 50+, and 60+ age groups.

This year, there will also be prize money awarded: $250 each for the overall male and female runner, as donated by 3 Leaf Realty.

“This is a really special opportunity to make for a very competitive race,” said new race director Michael Weisberg. “While the MB10K has been and always will be a local community race, our championship race designation - and the fact that we are providing prize money for the winners - will attract top runners from throughout Southern California. We hope to see an exciting finish with some fast times.”

The Manhattan Beach 10k race committee came together 45 years ago with a simple purpose: to put on a road race. It was 1978 and the running boom was in full effect. Newly elected city councilman Russ Lesser got permission from the city, expecting about 400-500 participants.

They got over 2,000 runners - and the MB10K was born.

Among the cherished traditions of the MB10 is the P.I.E.R. Group - with "PIER" standing for "Participated In Every Race." There are currently 31 P.I.E.R. Group members who have run every MB10K and who will be wearing special shirts to celebrate the anniversary.

Another time-honored tradition is for the race committee to donate all proceeds directly back to the community in the form of health and fitness enhancements to the recreation facilities of local schools and parks, local school booster clubs; as well as scholarships to Manhattan Beach high school seniors.

Since its inception, total MB10K donations have surpassed $575,000 and include Mira Costa High School track refurbishing, an exercise facility at the Manhattan Beach Middle School, a climbing wall at Manhattan Heights Park, Strand mile markers, a play structure at Polliwog Park and artificial turf at AYSO field on Marine.

It's not too late to join more than 3,600 other runners and walkers at the MB10K. (A non-alphabetical list of who's already registered can be found here.)

Race registration will be open until 6:00 p.m on Friday, September 30 either online at www.mb10k.com or in-store at Village Runner in Manhattan Beach.

The race begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. It features one of the most scenic 10K courses in the South Bay, running through downtown Manhattan Beach, through parts of the Tree Section, and down to the Strand, ending at the Manhattan Beach Pier. 

Throughout the course, there will be live local music, five cheer stations staffed by local girl scout troops, and a special greeting at the finish line from iconic race announcer Susie Young. Runners and spectators can then join the post-race expo at the finish line.

 

All finishers will receive a special race shirt with the artwork seen above, as designed by local Southern California artist Joe Vickers.