The Spirit of Green Reined at the 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K

The Spirit of Green Reined at the 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K

Redondo Beach, CA – ‘Village Runner Saint Patrick’s Day 5K’ Mar. 13, 2016
 Over 1,000 participants ran today in the crisp clear morning in Redondo Beach for the lucky 13thannual St. Patrick’s Day 5K. Grace Zamudio, former LMU distance runner, captured the women’s 5K title with a time of 17:33, followed by Nathalie Higley of Redondo Beach in 2nd place with a time of 18:04, and Kaci Bacher of Manhattan Beach in 3rd place with a time of 19:31. The winner of the men’s 5K title is Juan Paredes of East Los Angeles with a fast time of 15:23, followed by Sean Kelly of Baldwin Park with a time of 15:44, and Adam Henry of Santa Monica with a time of16:10.
 
“The race today, a few weeks after the Olympic marathon trials, felt good,” said 5K winner Juan Paredes. “I was able to shake the soreness off and win comfortably today. The inclines were a little challenging but the course was fast with a nice view of the ocean.”
 
Grace Zamudio, a local star who started her career at Hart High School in Santa Clarita and went on to star at LMU stated “I took the lead after one mile and was able to run away from the other runners. I didn’t know what to expect as this was my first race since September when I suffered a stress fracture. This is the first time I’ve ever won prize money at the race.”
 
Nathalie Higley, the local favorite from Redondo Beach stated “It was a good effort today. I am very satisfied.
Another local runner, 43-year-old pilates fitness instructor Kaci Bacher stated “I am so excited. This is the first time I’ve ever broke 20 minutes. I lost 4 years to back injuries and I now have a metal disk in my lower back, so I am happy with the results.”
 
3rd place finisher Adam Henry ran in honor of his mother who is battling cancer. “It was great to see my mom waiting for me at the finish line,” he said.
 
The race honored the memory of Chase Stecyk, who grew up in Redondo Beach. Chase was just eleven years old when he died of a tumor that paralyzed him from the waist down. The race benefited the American Cancer Society. Partnering through Relay for Life, a percent of the proceeds will support the charity’s cancer research and free patient programs.
 
“Another perfect day in Redondo Beach for the race,” stated Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel.
 
People of all ages showed up in their running shoes this morning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The oldest runner of the day is 85-year-old Dick Windishar of Manhattan Beach, who impressively participated in the 5K.  A 1-year-old was the youngest St. Patrick’s Day 5K participant ever, and adorably dashed in the Chase Stecyk Leprechaun Dash for Gold. Runners came from all over the country to run in today’s race including runners from Colorado, Virginia, Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Missouri.
 
A highlight of the event was the St. Patrick’s Day themed costume contest. Green was the theme of the day as race participants dressed in their greenest running apparel. One runner even came in a leprechaun costume! There was also a two day Health and Fitness Expo around the race.
 
The race was sponsored by 3 Leaf Realty, whose gorgeous properties are even along the beautiful course along the Esplanade with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Race supporters included Healthy Spot pet stores and The Waterfront. Race participants sampled Fresh Brother’s tasty pizza at the race, then after the race enjoyed delicious brunch and beverages at Rock & Brews.
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