This year’s Kook Run will be Sunday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 a.m. Both a fun run and a professional race, The Kook Run is a SoCal Super Bowl Sunday tradition, where thousands kick off the morning with a 5K/10K fun run and costumed race along the Pacific Coast, presented by BUBS Naturals.
The 10K race is the fastest on the west coast and will again be made up of an international field of runners, as well as the top runners in Southern California. In 2024, all will be racing for a cash purse of $3,000 on the most picturesque 10K course on the West Coast.
The kids will get their own day to run at the 3rd Annual Junior Kook Run with a course modified for kids, from 400 yards to one mile, on Saturday, Feb. 10 for kids ages 3-12 at the Ecke YMCA, during packet pick-up, starting at 10:00 a.m.
The Costume Contest is one of the most entertaining aspects of the event – and that is what makes this event so fun. The contest awards the top three in each of the following categories: “Football Fan,” “Group Costume,” and “Individual Kook.” Costume contest participants need to register/check-in at the Costume Contest Registration table between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. The costume award ceremony will immediately follow the 5K race. Winners must be present to win. For rules and more info, visit www.thekookrun.com.
This year, The Kook Run is proud to donate generous portions of proceeds to Cardiff 101 Mainstreet and the Ecke YMCA of Encinitas. The Right Hand Angels will be the beneficiary of the event’s Beer Garden sales, as well as participating in the event with their chariot runners. Race partners include BUBS Naturals, Bach to Rock, vuori, Cal Coast Credit Union, Stretch Zone Encinitas, Lost Abbey, and Ballast Point.
Registration is open – $50 for the 5K (3.1 miles), $75 for the 10K (6.2 miles) and $15 for the Junior Kook Run. Each participant receives a premium T-shirt and finisher’s medal, and this year’s theme is “Release the Kraken.”
The course starts under the world famous “Encinitas” sign on the historic Coast Hwy 101 in beautiful Encinitas, Calif. This scenic loop passes by the famous “Cardiff Kook” statue, rises above some of the most popular surf breaks in the world and heads down to Cardiff State Beach. Water stations are provided throughout the course.
Race Day and Costume Contest registration opens at 6:00 a.m. Welcome and introductions take place at 7:00 a.m. The Elite/10K race start is 7:20 a.m., while the 5K and Costume Division race starts at 7:55 a.m. The awards ceremony is at 9:15 a.m.
Advance packet and T-shirt pick-up will be held at the Ecke YMCA – 200 Saxony Road in Encinitas (92024) – Saturday, Feb. 10 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and at Road Runner Sports’ Solana Beach location on the Coast Hwy 101 – Friday, Feb from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be fun events on Saturday including a sponsors expo, live music, and the fun and inspiring Junior Kook Run, presented by Bach to Rock, and Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream.
One of the “coolest” aspects of the race is its post-run festival, including a beer garden – featuring Bay City, Lost Abbey, and Ballast Point – along with live music, featuring Paging the 90s, immediately following the race festivities.
This year, The Kook Run has teamed up with “B-Cycle” to offer a bike valet service. Ride your bike to the event and drop it at the Bike Valet where they will keep it on site and secure until the end of the event. Bike Valet Services will be located at the north end of Moonlight Plaza where the post-run festival takes place.
For more information on the event, visit www.thekookrun.com.
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