El Segundo Run for Education
El Segundo, CA
- 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Run For Education is not only a major fundraiser for El Segundo’s K-12 public schools but is also one of the more unique USATF certified 5K/10K courses in Southern California. Hosted by El Segundo’s PTA Council the Run For Education features a moderate coastal climate as well as a … MORE
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Lots of turns, hills and local fun
In its 28 year, the ES Run for Education is a tradition for residents and neighbors of El Segundo. The beneficiaries are local ES schools' programs that are not fully … MORE
In its 28 year, the ES Run for Education is a tradition for residents and neighbors of El Segundo. The beneficiaries are local ES schools’ programs that are not fully funded by the city’s budget. There are a lot of kids and parents, which means a neighborly/small town vibe; it IS known as Mayberry, CA, after all. Be aware: all the kids can make for some zig-zagging in the first mile. The younger ones don’t know about the danger of moseying in front of runners…just be aware and buoyed by the scene of kids out running!
The organization is excellent; there is early packet pick up on Main Street and registration/packet pick up is available race morning. Parking is on city streets and a few local businesses, but it is a small town, so you won’t have to walk far.
The course is NOT an easy course; there are several fairly steep hills, most pretty short. Two are longish hills; one is the first quarter to third mile, so take it easy going out. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, what goes up must come down so you do get to fly and make up some time.
There is one water stop on the 5k. The 10k is 2 loops, meaning 2 water stops on that course.
There are TEN turns on this course. I like turns: they help you avoid seeing how far you have to go, but also when I’m turning a corner I feel like I am really racing! Maybe I’ve seen too many movies with get-away cars zooming around corners….
While not a crowd, most of the streets on the course have a few folks out in their beach chairs cheering you on and in 2 spots you get actual cheer-leading cheers!
The final quarter mile is thankfully downhill; I was extremely grateful for that!
The finish is a nice wide space and it is evident where the 10k runners need to go to start their second loop.
The medals are fine; the shirts are okay. The award medals have the date and name of the race printed on the back. This is great! Some medals just say “1st place” and could be for any event….mine says Female 60-64, 1st place so I’ll always have this record.
There is water at the finish; I didn’t see any food, but a 5k is pretty quick so you can walk up main street to several spots that serve breakfast and the Blue Butterfly coffee shop was close enough to walk to as we awaited the awards ceremony (which moved pretty quickly considering the number of awards for both distances.)
I found the course to be difficult even though I train on hills….these were much steeper than I expected…but I actually ran it faster than my last 5k ran on a flat course. I think the downhills really help if you let yourself go.
This was the first race in my new age group, so I was thrilled to get first. A nice way to make turning 60 not feel so bad.
Everyone I talked to, from the porta-potty line to finished line, were just as friendly as could be.
I’ll do this race again next year. Recommend!