From its beginning, the Brea 8K Classic was a heartfelt, hometown event that focused on fun, fitness and fundraising for the students and programs of Brea Olinda High School. Today, though much larger, it’s still run by a team of hard-working but entirely unpaid parent and community volunteers. The proceeds …
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From its beginning, the Brea 8K Classic was a heartfelt, hometown event that focused on fun, fitness and fundraising for the students and programs of Brea Olinda High School.
Today, though much larger, it’s still run by a team of hard-working but entirely unpaid parent and community volunteers. The proceeds of this year’s race will benefit the award-winning programs of Brea Olinda High School through the work of the GITA (Global IT Academy)-Academic Booster Club, Instrumental Music & Color Guard Boosters and Vocal Music Boosters. This single event continues to benefit the students of our only high school more than any other.
Runners are welcome to run with their team. Each team must have at least four members, and at least one must be a female (except in the Grand Masters Division). The five team divisions are: Youth (13 and under), Junior (14-18), Open, Masters (40 and over) and Grand Masters (50 and over, no female required).
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Great community support
This is a small race (~2,000 runners) supporting the local high school. What's special about this race is the post race free food from places like Slaters 50/50 and Rita's … MORE
This is a small race (~2,000 runners) supporting the local high school. What’s special about this race is the post race free food from places like Slaters 50/50 and Rita’s Italian Ice. We were joking that it might be worth it for non-runners to pay the registration just for the buffet. Haha.
The course is through local streets (not that scenic) and has about 200 feet of climb. The peak elevation is at about mile 3 and the final 2 miles are downhill so it’s set up for a fast finish. The crowd around the course is light but the high school band and cheerleading squad are out there cheering us on.
There are no race medal and you get a cotton race shirt. Again the best thing about the race is the post race food.
A great community event
My first race was the Brea 8K in 2014. Next to finishing my first race, what stood out was all the post race snack/food/drinks provided by nearby merchants. When I … MORE
My first race was the Brea 8K in 2014. Next to finishing my first race, what stood out was all the post race snack/food/drinks provided by nearby merchants. When I was disappointed to find out later was that this was the exception, not the norm. The race is advertised as SoCal’s best finish line. It’s not an understatement. This year there were over 20 booths, ranging from Slater’s (longest line for their famous burgers) to Ritas (Italian ice).
As for the course, it’s a nice and gentle 5 miler starting and ending by the Brea Mall. The inclines are in the 1H so the 2H is mostly downhill. Total elevation gain is about 250 ft. There were 3 water stops along the way and good community support along the route including many enthusiastic kids cheering us on.
The race swag was only okay. You only really get a cotton race T. No finisher medals are awarded. The bib pick-up was simple and quick.
Hilly, but great grub!!
The Brea 8K Classic is known for a few things. The obvious is the unique distance -- a tad under five miles. Next is the rather competitive sub-elite Master's level … MORE
The Brea 8K Classic is known for a few things. The obvious is the unique distance — a tad under five miles. Next is the rather competitive sub-elite Master’s level competition, of which I could not partake (yet), and last is the excellent feast provided at the finish line, of which I enjoyed my fair share to say the least! Many local eateries come out for the finish line festivities; this year Nothing Bundt Cakes, Elbows, Slaters, BJs Pizza, Mother’s Market, a coffee stand, and a taco stand were just some of the samples one got to enjoy after running. The course itself is fairly uneventful. It beings at Brea Mall, with plenty of parking. There are a few big hills around mile 2-4 on Associated Rd, and a nice cool downhill stretch at the very end. Do it for an interesting local race distance and challenging course, and most importantly, the food after! 🙂