Santa Monica Classic 5K, 10K Races to Benefit Heal the Bay

Nike extends race sponsorship; Earth Day beach clean-up draws crowd; debut Youth 5K- SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (April 28, 2009) - The fourth Santa Monica Classic, now managed by the Los Angeles Marathon Group, will combine running and environmental awareness, with 5K and 10K races on Sunday, May 3rd that start at the beach and finish at the Santa Monica Pier. The event's net proceeds will benefit Heal the Bay; past races have raised $30,000 for the Santa Monica-based non-profit. In addition, race organizers joined Nike and Heal the Bay in sponsoring an Earth Day Beach Clean-Up on April 25th that drew a large crowd.

"Racers will enjoy a great run through the heart of Santa Monica and the opportunity to help keep our coastal waters safe and clean," said Race Director Peter Abraham. "We're proud to partner with Heal the Bay for our Beach Clean-Up and the Fourth Annual Santa Monica Classic."

New this year is a Youth 5K, featuring a separate start for runners under 21. The winning high school boys' and girls' teams will receive Nike jackets and all participants will enjoy a post-race Expo held on the Santa Monica Pier. All race participants will receive Nike Dri-FIT running T-shirts.

More race information is available at www.SantaMonicaClassic.com or call (310) 271-7200.

Beneficiary Heal the Bay (www.HealtheBay.org) is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Southern California coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy and clean for people and marine life.