The Manhattan Beach 10K Run is a nice, hometown race in Southern California that's well worth participating in.

If you're the planning-ahead type when it comes to races, you might want to start thinking about the Manhattan Beach 10K Run. This year, the Manhattan Beach 10K will be held on October 4, 2008 and will start at 7:30 a.m. When I lived in Los Angeles, I used to run the race every year and would recommend it for any serious runner who also likes to give back to the community.

The Manhattan Beach 10K is a partnership between the race committee and the city of Manhattan Beach and the race committee donates all the race proceeds to the Manhattan Beach community (something I always loved). They fund scholarships to high school seniors, new equipment for area high schools and also provide improvements to area parks.

Another thing I really like about this race is the way they time the runners. Every runner has to have a timing chip tied to their shoe, which is activated by stepping on a mat when they begin the race. The time will then be stopped when the runner passes over a similar mat when they finish the race. The timing is incredibly accurate, but you have to make sure you wear the chip. If you don't, your time will not be counted and your name won't be included in the official results.

The cost for the Manhattan Beach 10K Run last year was $25 for early registers and $30 for late registers. Runners under 15 years old can register for $15 and $20 for late registration. The registration fee for 2008 hasn't been announced yet, but it will probably be around the same price.

The race is really fun, very laidback, with friendly volunteers and nice runners. Split times are called at each mile, and there is even on-course entertainment.

Also don't forget to check out the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair after you've finished the race. It's not connected to the run, but it's a fun event with interesting booths, entertainment, arts and crafts, food and even a display of antique cars. After finishing the run, it's a nice place to hang out. The fair also operates the shuttles for the runners and they're nice folk too.

For more information, contact the race organizers at 310-374-2397. If you're in or near Manhattan Beach, you can also register for the race at the Village Runner store on Sepulveda Boulevard.