The 36th Annual YMCA Run in the Parks is soon approaching on Friday, July 4, 2014. The event was started in 1978, before the City of Laguna Niguel and the Y was in its current location off Crown Valley Parkways.
The event was started by residents who wanted to improve the fitness of the community and highlight nonprofit work. One of the race founders, Bill Pasqual is still a participant in the race today and has not missed a race as either a volunteer or runner since it started.
The event is a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and children’s races that is held in the Crown Valley Community Park and Laguna Niguel Regional Parks. Key community partners include the City of Laguna Niguel, the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, and OC Parks.
The title sponsor this year is Power Crunch, a maker of energy powders, drinks and bars. Each year, 1,200- 1,600 individuals participate in the events, and many more come to watch. Almost 200 volunteers work the event.
Two of the original volunteers, Bob Orozco and Frank Santilli have been volunteering at the event as course marshals for 30 years.
Each year, the proceeds from the event directly benefit the children and families in the Laguna Niguel community through membership at the Y.
Money raised will be used to sustain and grow Y programs and services and ensure that all children and families have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the Y.
Proceeds from this event support opportunities far beyond basketball leagues for kids or group exercise classes for seniors; they provide invaluable, life-enriching experiences to children and families.
Click here to view pictures of past year’s event: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/niguel-362314-run-laguna.html
Click here for more information and to register: www.ymcaoc.org/ritp
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ABOUT YMCAOC:
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County through six (6) Health & Wellness centers (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, and Santa Ana) and over 50 Afterschool Program centers.
YMCA programs celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs; from youth sports and group exercise classes to parent/child programs and community services– Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise – To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org
