Multi-terrain race at Elings Park benefits cross country programs

Three rival high school cross country programs (Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara, and San Marcos) are joining together to raise funds for the sport they enjoy.

On Saturday, December 13th, student athletes will volunteer and participate in a multi-event trail racing festival to be held at Elings Park. All net proceeds will benefit the park and the cross country programs at each school.

The event is open to runners of every ability and, unlike most charity runs, the Elings Terrain Festival routes are on trails comprised of dirt, grass, and sand. There is a 5K run, a 3K kids run (parents can run with their kids), and a 3K dog run. After the races, the party gets started with food catered by head chef Eric Widmer (La Cumbre Country Club). Beverages, live music, awards for top finishers, and a raffle will round out the day.

Online registration and information is available at ElingsTerrain.com

“I started this event because I wanted to give back to the programs that have meant so much to my boys”, says event organizer Paul Bradford. Bradford has sons who ran at San Marcos and Dos Pueblos.

“At every high school parent meeting, coaches have told us about funding problems. So I decided to create a sustaining event that would help raise money, bring rival teams together, and give the broader Santa Barbara running community an opportunity to support the next generation of runners,” Bradford said.

“With more than 150 registered runners and 110 volunteers, last year’s inaugural event was a great success, and this year we’re so pleased to have Deckers and Hoka One One as lead sponsors,” he added.

Funds raised will help pay for team transportation expenses, race costs, and/or assistant coach stipends. In addition to Bradford, the event is backed by head coaches Olivia Perdices (SB), Lawrence Stehmeier (SM), and Kyle Visin and Bob Wilcher (DP) and parent volunteers.

Event Basics:
What/When: Elings Terrain Festival; Sat. Dec, 13 (registration 9:30 a.m.; 1st race 10:45)
Who: Benefitting Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara, and San Marcos cross country programs
Run: 5K, 3K kids run, 3K dog run (open to runners of every ability)
Fun: Beverages and catered food. Live music.
Lead Sponsors: Deckers and Hoka One One
More Info and Registration: www.ElingsTerrain.com