St. Paddy's Day Village Run 2018

St. Patrick's Day is usually a day that I take off because I'm descended from Irish nobility, however this year it fell on a Saturday, so I took the opportunity to cover the Village Runner St. Patrick's Day 5K held in the Hollywood Riviera section of Redondo Beach, CA.

I've lived in this city since '94, and this is the first I've heard of this event sponsored by Village Runner Shoe Store, located at 1811-A Catalina Ave. They also have a location in Manhattan Beach. The race started promptly at 8am, and 15 minutes and 20 seconds later,

Juan Paredes

Juan Paredes from Los Angeles crossed the finish line, and promptly continued to the water table.

A little more than two minutes after that, Julia Budniak was the first woman to finish, and took 8th place overall.

Julia Bdniak as she comes toward the line.

  Of those that started the race, 1176 crossed the finish line. I found out later that there were some that just entered to get the t-shirt, and some runners didn't start right away as they were waiting for friends that couldn't find parking.

As I live in Redondo at the North edge of district 2, I felt a walk to the race site was a good idea. I ran into a couple of guys that were jogging to the starting line, and I didn't understand that, however since parking was at a premium, I think all of us had a good idea.

At events like this in and around Redondo, sponsors are needed, and as a result of that, they get their own booths and tables, and offer free stuff to those in and around the event. Some of the local businesses open their doors and offer tours, and one realtor had Irish Whiskey and champagne, complete with a full continental breakfast with fruit and pastries as well.

A good time was had by all, and it turns out, The Village Runner is about to hold another 5K this July 4th.  Hope to see you there!!!