The Manhattan Beach 10K, which kicks off an epic weekend of activities in Manhattan Beach, has announced that former U.S. figure skating champion and two-time Olympian Randy Gardner will serve as the honorary race starter. 

Gardner, a new Manhattan Beach resident, is best known for his celebrated pairs skating career with Tai Babilonia. Together, they became five-time U.S. champions, world medalists, and represented the United States at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Their performances helped make them one of the most recognizable pairs in American figure skating.

Gardner will join thousands of runners, walkers, families, and spectators in Manhattan Beach as he officially kicks off the race and helps celebrate the "spirit of community, fitness, and athletic achievement that defines the Manhattan Beach 10K," according to race organizers.

“We are thrilled to have Randy Gardner as our honorary race starter,” said race director Michael Weisberg. “His incredible athletic career and new connection to Manhattan Beach make him a wonderful addition to this year’s event.”

The Manhattan Beach 10K has now sold out for the 4th year in a row.

The 49th annual Manhattan Beach 10K will take place on Saturday, October 3, at 7:30 a.m. With one of the most scenic 10K courses in the country, 4,000 runners will run through downtown and residential Manhattan Beach, finishing at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Throughout the course, runners will experience live music from five bands, seven cheer stations staffed by local Girl Scouts and Adventure Guide troops, and a post-race expo at the finish line. Twenty-five vendors will be at the finish to provide free food, beverages, post-race messages and fun for the whole family. (Road closures for the race can be found here.)

Founded in 1978, the historic MB10K operates as a non-profit event managed by an entirely volunteer race committee with all proceeds going back to the local community. The race has donated over $865,000 with college scholarships to hundreds of Mira Costa High School students, community improvements including fitness structures and playgrounds, and supported local school and area non-profit clubs.

As the MB 10K wraps up, the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair begins. The Hometown Fair will run on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Live Oak Park and along Valley Drive.