FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7th, 2023
Celebrate Veterans Day at the 24th Annual Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon, 10 Miler, 12K, and 5K Sunday November 12th, 2023
Race Organizers Announce 100 Free Race Entries for San Diego Foster Youth and Life Sports Foundation Donates 100 Pairs of Running Shoes to Local Foster Care Support Group, Promises2Kids, for High School Guardian Scholars
San Diego, CA – On November 12th, you can honor Veterans Day by participating in the 24th Annual Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon, 10 Miler, 12K, and 5K, presented by KOZ Events. This event, hosted by Life Sports Foundation (LSF), will not only support veterans but also extend a helping hand to San Diego's foster youth.
This year, the primary focus of giving is to donate to San Diego Foster Youth by providing running shoes and funding for sports and life-enhancing activities. Life Sports Foundation will deliver 100 pairs of high-end ASICS ™ running shoes to the local foster care advocate group, Promises 2 Kids, for distribution to their high school-aged Guardian Scholars. As a former foster parent and the founder of Life Sports Foundation, Carrie Panek understands the needs of foster youth and the challenges they face due to limited funding for basic necessities and inclusive opportunities. She explains, “With a new pair of running shoes, these kids can better integrate into school physical education classes, join track teams, participate in running events, or simply enjoy running and walking. These activities can boost their self-confidence, make attending school more enjoyable, and improve their mental and physical health. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous donors and Race Roster for coordinating the ASICS ™ shoe purchase for the Guardian Scholars. We eagerly anticipate more fundraising through the Silver Strand event to enable us to provide more shoes and opportunities.”
In addition to the shoe donations, race organizers are offering up to 100 free entries to the 5K for foster youth of all ages, and Foster Families and Promises 2 Kids volunteers can enjoy a 50% discount on their registrations. To take advantage of this offer, please email carrie@lifesportsfoundation.com for registration details.
The Silver Strand event boasts a fast and flat Half Marathon course, with participants running down the closed southbound Hwy 75 and concluding their journey by running through Silver Strand State Beach on both the beach and bay sides, enhancing the natural beauty of this course. The 5K run starts and finishes at Silver Strand State Beach and features live music along the route, including performances by the Taiko Drummers, Hawaiian Music, and Classic Rock bands.
All participants will have the choice of a running-themed, USA-colored Hawaiian dress or a button-down Hawaiian shirt, along with a 6” surfboard finisher medal. Jennifer Stephens, KOZ Events Event Manager, remarked, “We really wanted to provide something special to our race participants. We decided to create unique Hawaiian shirts and dresses that can be worn anytime, not just another race t-shirt. The design features runners and running shoes surrounded by inspiring sayings and pays tribute to all branches of the military.”
The Silver Strand races are exceptionally inclusive, welcoming runners, walkers, handcycles, wheelchairs, and push-chair runner teams, such as Team Hoyt. The LSF Fundraising Ballast Point Beer Garden has been relocated alongside the finish line chute and will feature The Mixx Band. This location is ideal for celebrating and cheering on runners as they approach the finish line.
Participate in the Silver Strand Half Marathon, 10 Miler, 12K, and 5K on November 12th, and rest assured that your donations will be instrumental in acquiring much-needed sports equipment, such as running shoes for San Diego Foster Youth, funding for children's sports programs, and support for Team Hoyt San Diego athletes.
For more information, to register, or to make a donation to Life Sports Foundation, please visit www.silverstrandhalf.com and www.lifesportsfoundation.com. To save $10 off your registration, use Code: 10GOUSA (New Registrations Only).
Life Sports Foundation is a Platinum-rated charity by Guide Star. At Life Sports Foundation, we're committed to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities, whether they're facing physical, situational, or medical challenges. Through sports, we offer a path to a richer life, providing opportunities for athletic growth through endurance events, specialized equipment, training, competition support, and education. Additionally, we extend our impact by partnering with programs and non-profit organizations that enable individuals to live life to the fullest. We firmly believe that the power of sports enriches all lives, fostering health, camaraderie, and personal growth.
Promises2Kids is dedicated to our mission of creating a brighter future for foster children® in San Diego County. From the moment they come into foster care and through to adulthood, Promises2Kids provides the hope, support, and opportunities these individuals need to change their lives for the better… now and for years to come. Our programs include Camp Connect, Guardian Scholars, Foster Funds, and the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center
For press pass or if you need more information about Life Sports Foundation or the Silver Strand Half Marathon, please contact Carrie@lifesportsfoundation.com or KOZ Events at 858-268-1250.
Media Photos and Video
These photos may be used by the media for news and promotion of the Silver Strand Half Marathon. Photos are courtesy of Endurance Sports Photos.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13YW0lrqouJjoR3rdDn6WGaVrbax8OJdk?usp=sharing
