Participants from last year’s Grunion Run toe the starting line. Photo by Donna Kalez
March 9 will mark the fifth year when residents from all over south Orange County descend upon Doheny State Beach to take part in the Dana Point Festival of Whales Grunion Run. Last year’s race drew more than 1,200 participants who ran in the event’s 5K, 10K and 1K runs.
The flat, scenic course layout snakes its way entirely through Doheny State Beach, which offers views of the ocean throughout. Runners will start out on the main road of the park and loop down to the south, where they will turn around near Hole in the Fence. 10K runners will do two laps of the course.
The 10K starts at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9 a.m. so runners who want to run both races will be able to do so.
Awards will be given for the overall male and female winners of both the 5K and 10K runs. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be given to the age group winners in each race. Each child participating in the 1K fun run will receive a finisher’s ribbon.
Early registration is now underway, which saves participants $5. Cost for the 10K is $40, the 5K is $35 and the 1K is $15. Cost is $55 for those looking to run in both the 5K and 10K.
To register, visit www.dpfestivalofwhales.com.
