Santa Anita Y Splashes Off Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Pondering shoe choices: Running, Galoshes, or Snowshoes, some 50 runners took off at 8 a.m. Saturday morning on a 5K soggy slog in support of the local Y’s Financial Assistance program.

“This helps the people in the community to join the Y at the scholarship price,” said Karen MacNair, Wellness Director for the. “We were actually hoping for snow, but we’re just happy it’s not raining.

The 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) course lapped 3 ½ times, following sidewalks and walking paths, and skirting theand the. 

Following the adult run, a kids run was scheduled for 9:30. 

“We had 50 pre-registered runners and hope for 100,” MacNair said. Although the looming storm clouds and frigid temperatures may have kept the field down, all of the participants were cheerful. 

“This is such a good cause,” runner Jonnie Burton said. “We want to help people who can’t afford to join. No other gym does this [offering financial assistance].”

The idea for the 5K was created by the “Y We Run” group that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. to run and exercise.

“We’d like to expand this event, maybe to a mini-trialthelon,” MacNair said. 

Still, the main thing for Saturday’s event was fund raising.

“This is my first 5K,” Dunia Hamden said. “I’m doing this to support the Y. They do a lot for the community.”

When asked how she planned to cope with the weather, Hamden laughed, “Layers! I’m just hoping the rain stays away.”

Age was also no bar to competing as evidenced by thirty year veteran runner Coralie Pappas. “I go to the Y regularly and heard about it [the run]. I’ll probably walk more than run, but we’ll see how I’m doing.”

Pappas was also asked about her worries over  the threat of rain.

“Nah, If I’m wet, I’m wet. I’m from England, so I’m not supposed to worry about the weather.”