Actress and Heal the Bay Board member Julia Louis-Dreyfus along with actress Amy Yasbeck start the race. Photo: Bob Riha, Jr.

Abraham Events and Pacific Sports have joined forces once again to organize and produce the 3rd Annual Santa Monica Classic and Expo to benefit Heal the Bay.

On Sunday, May 4th, 2008, join with other Santa Monica Classic runners on a scenic course, get training and nutrition trips from Nike Club Run LA, enjoy giveways, and learn about Heal the Bay and ways you can help keep our coastal waters safe and clean. Also, join in on the Nike Beach Cleanup and Fun Run on May 3!

The 5K/10K Runs

Since all net proceeds from the Santa Monica Classic go to Heal the Bay, participants will be helping our coastal environment while enjoying spectacular 10k and 5k runs.

The courses will take runners from 2600 Barnard Way on the world-famous Santa Monica Beach up Main Street and through the winding streets of San Vicente Blvd. Participants will cross the finish line atop the picturesque Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica Classic 5K/10K participants will enjoy:

• Nike Club Run LA pre-run training program.
• Spectacular, scenic point-point course finishing at the Santa Monica Pier.
• Complementary Nike Dri-Fit technical shirt.
• Prizes for three person co-ed teams in the 10K Corporate Challenge.
• Post-race relaxation/recovery area at the Expo on the Pier.
• Help raise money and awareness for Heal the Bay!

The Expo

Located on the Santa Monica Pier, the Expo is a great place to relax and recover after the event:

• Refresh with cold drinks from Whole Foods.
• Pick up your Nike Dri-Fit technical shirts after the finish.
• Download your Nike Plus System stats.
• Get you running gait analysis from Phase IV.
• Learn more about Heal the Bay's Santa Monica Pier Aquarium!

For additional details and to register, visit www.santamonicaclassic.com. Runners that register will have the option to take advantage of an introductory Heal the Bay membership.

Nike Beach Cleanup and Fun Run

In conjuction with the Santa Monica Classic 5K/10K, and in the spirit of Earth Day, Nike is doing their part and is hosting a beach clean up and fun run on Saturday, May 3rd at 8am. Gather at Ballona Beach (6203 Pacific Avenue) and enjoy a free breakfast while you listen to an expert Heal the Bay speaker. After doing a sweep of the beach there will be a light fun run before departing for packet pick-up at Top To Top.