By Keldine Hull
It’s time to lace up your sneakers! After a 10-year hiatus, the popular Brentwood Run returns to the streets of Brentwood on Sunday, June 9. Races kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K followed by the 5k Run & Walk at 8:30 a.m. and the Kids 1K Fun Run at 9 a.m.
Brentwood Community Council member Nancy Freedman spoke about the history of the run and the decision to bring it back. “The run has been going on for decades, and there was a parade that was involved with it as well. It was a celebration at the beginning of summer.” Freedman continued, “We decided to try to bring it back. A couple of people in the community council took responsibility for it, joined with a group that does races, a production company, and that’s how it got here.” Brentwood Run coordinators include the Brentwood Community Council and W2 Promotions.
To avoid parking issues, organizers strongly encourage anyone interested in participating or attending the run to walk, bike or take Uber/Lyft to get there. According to Freedman, the races will begin at the VA and loop around at 26th Street. There will be street closures on San Vicente from Wilshire to Bringham to Barrington from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. San Vicente will remain open from Barrington to 26th Street going westbound.
Following the run, everyone is welcome to attend the block party at the intersection of Darlington and San Vicente. Freedman explained, “We thought, ‘Well, as long as we’re doing this, let’s keep the street closed a little longer.’ So from Barrington to the VA, there’ll be a block party. There will be singing and dancing in the street, and artwork that the Brentwood Art Center is doing. It should be a lot of fun for people just to come, even if they don’t run or walk. There’s a lot for everybody.” Festivities also include a safety expo with ham radio operators, CERT instruction, a Beatles medley and sing-a-long performed by the 40 members of the children’s WLA Choir, and a picnic on the median. Even the community’s furry friends can get involved with the Dog Parade at 10:30. Freedman continued, “If people bring their dog, they can parade. That will be near the stage.”
Sponsored by Councilmember Mike Bonin, Front Runners, Living Brentwood, Brentwood Town Center, Douglas Emmett, New Balance, Vicente Foods and many other businesses and organizations, beneficiaries of the Brentwood Run include New Directions for Veterans, the Lange Foundation, Village for Vets and the Coral Tree Endowment Fund.
More than just a race, the Brentwood Run offers a welcome opportunity for members in the community to support great causes while enjoying each other’s company. All registered participants receive a 2019 Brentwood Run souvenir bag and a finishers medal. Registration for the Brentwood Run and Dog Parade is still open.
To learn more, visit: www.BrentwoodRun.com
