It’s always the first one after Santa Claus…
The first exit on California Route 101 when travelling south, that is, after Santa Claus Lane.
It’s the only way to catch the real flavor that is Carpinteria.
Past the sleepy stores …. the classic movie theatre … the little eateries and coffee shops.
And the best way to start any day.
Carpinteria City Councilmember Gregg Carty, right, helps record times at Sunday's Orchard to Ocean race.
Orchard-to-Ocean Founder Marybeth Carty, Carpinteria schools Superintendent Paul Cordiero, and CEF Development Director Patricia Alpert at the starting line
Especially today!
The town will soon come alive with 400-plus participants – young, old, big, small – who will cruise trails and cozy neighborhoods on foot – some fast, some slow.
All for a wonderful cause – helping local kids.
It’s the 19th Annual Orchard to Ocean 10K Race, 5K Walk/Run and Kid’s 1-Mile Fun Run, all benefitting the Carpinteria Education Foundation (CEF).
“Excellent weather, participation and support from our school districts and our sponsors,” says Patricia Alpert, CEF Development Director.
Alpert’s all smiles on this magnificent Saturday — spreading even more sunshine everywhere!
According to its website:
The Carpinteria Education Foundation (CEF), a nonprofit organization of volunteers formed in 1993, provides financial assistance and support for public schools in the Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD).
CEF’S Mission is threefold:
1. To Promote Excellence in Education
2. To Channel Private Sector Resources to the Carpinteria Unified School District
3. To Inform and Involve the Community in the Needs of the School District.
Since its inception, CEF has distributed over $700,000 in funds towards the enhancement of educational opportunities for Carpinteria and Summerland students
“The fun part of today is bragging about our great community to ‘outta-towners.” adds Marybeth Carty, who founded the event 20 years ago. “The first year it was known as the Wild Hare 5K and 1-Mile Bunny Hop. It has been Orchard-to-Ocean ever since.”
Carty is volunteering at The Finish Line recording times with her brother-in-law Gregg Carty, a long-time City of Carpinteria representative.
“This fundraiser benefits our youth – our leaders of tomorrow,” he ‘officially’ offers.
Friends Toni Thompson, Glenda Daniel and Marcia Weeks finish strong
Both Cartys love the timekeeping responsibility because they witness the jubilation of victory for many.
“New runners are born here. We especially love seeing the kids blasting smiles as they cross The Finish Line. It is also nice watching them grow up year-after-year,” Marybeth states.
And the day’s fastest 10K runner is Ventura’s Robert Olivera, 24, with a time of 32 minutes, 32 seconds – an astounding 5:11 per mile clip. The fastest 10K female is Toni Salucci, 25, at 35:29.
Salucci will take her 2nd Place ‘hardware’ home across the country to Lyme, Hew Hampshire.
Goleta’s Zack Paris, 22, is the first 5K finisher at 17 minutes, 15 seconds – a 5:34 per mile average. Second place (18:18) goes to the fastest 5K female, San Luis Obispo’s Brittany Braden, 21.
Carpinteria’s very own Ricky Ho, takes 3rd Place honors in both the 10K and 5K races at 35:51 and 18:36, respectively – his last warm-up(s) before the Boston Marathon on April 18th.
“I’m still recovering from my stress fracture and am only about 90% today,” Ho said. “But I love this race, right here where I live.”
And what a beautiful place it is — this quaint little community by the sea and the avocados — we all know as Carpinteria.
You can’t miss it off 101 …
