Manhattan 10K

The Manhattan 10K is a great event. As part of the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, it has a local personal vibe. Local musicians are placed strategically along the course for entertainment and a boost of inspiration. The community comes out in full force to support the race. It’s very well organized. I’ve been running it for years and it’s always fun.

Lots of fun. Well organized. There was a big hill towards the end. Last 2 miles ends on the Strand. Great to run with family and friends.

This is a Manhattan Beach tradition that began in 1978 when a few local residents decided to put together a race for MB. It is always held on the Saturday morning of the annual Hometown Fair (early October) and is the one road race I really look forward to every year. Having grown up in MB, this is easily my favorite run all year.
There are 2 starting lines, one on Ardmore and the other on Valley (I prefer the south starting area). It’s a very festive starting area with a great band comprised of senior citizens playing live music. The start time is 7:30 and both starting groups merge around the police station. You run through several different MB neighborhoods after a brief run through the downtown area on Highland, and the streets are lined with local residents cheering you on. This is really nice because I quickly get bored after anything longer than 3 miles and the constant stimuli is a welcome attention grabber. There are a couple of rock bands playing throughout the course, and one band that plays calypso music at around the halfway point. I even see my 10^th grade biology teacher at the same spot every year! (Did I mention this is my favorite race?)
Overall, this is a well organized and fun race, especially if you live or grew up in the area. It is fairly flat with a couple of small hills in the beginning and one moderate incline at around mile 4.5, going past the National Guard Armory on Bell Ave and up Rosecrans. It’s worth the effort, though, because the last mile or so is fast and flat on the Strand as you finish right by the Manhattan Beach Pier.
The only thing that could be improved is registering for this race. There is no race day registration, so if you think you may not be able to attend until last minute and were thinking of just signing up at the race, it is not an option. You can register online but that deadline is a week before race day. Lastly, you can register in person but it is only at the MB Village Runner location. It would be nice if they let you register at the other Village Runner in Redondo Beach. Having said that, it’s still not enough to make me take off a star.
Note: this course appears to be just a touch too long. My Nike running app’s GPS consistently measures it at 10,075 meters (6.26 miles).