24th Annual Holiday Classic Will Wind Through the Streets of Loma Linda

For almost a quarter of a century, the City of Loma Linda and The Lopers Club have kicked off the holidays with a community running event. This year’s 24th annual Holiday Classic on Sunday, Dec. 1 has an option for everyone, with a half marathon, a 5K run/walk and the Elves Trot for children, as over 1,000 entrants are expected to take to the streets of south Loma Linda. “The Holiday Classic has become a tradition in Loma Linda,” said Rhodes “Dusty” Rigsby, MD, Mayor of the City of Loma Linda. “The Lopers Club members put on a class event every year, and this year is no exception. In fact, we already have almost a thousand people registered to participate in the three events. We are thrilled to have so many people involved.” The race starts and finishes near the Loma Linda Civic Center on the corner of Barton Road and Loma Linda Drive in Loma Linda. Parking is available off of Benton, one block south of Barton Rd. The course, which winds through the streets of south Loma Linda, was set with all skill levels involved. “We want to include everyone from the casual walker to the distance runner and everyone in between,” said Colleen Sproul, Co-Race Director and a Lopers Club Board Member. “The Holiday Classic is about bringing the community together for a little exercise and a lot of camaraderie. This race is about being together as a community,” said Phil Carlisle, CEO of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce. “The Lopers Club considers it a privilege to be involved with such a positive community event,” said Jim Walling, Co-Race Director and President of the Lopers Club. “We are thrilled with the response to this year’s event and are already gearing up for the 25th Annual Holiday Classic in 2014. It doesn’t get any better than this to kick off the holidays and experience true community spirit.” While the adults and teens put on their best running (and walking) form, one of the most heartwarming aspects of this annual event has to be the Elves Trot as 3-6 year olds make their way for about a quarter of a mile to earn their Santa Claus medals. “It’s cute as the dickens to see these kids going for the gusto,” said Ruth Homan, Elves Trot Coordinator and Lopers Club Board Member. “The Elves Trot is just the icing on the cake for this event.” Races begin at 7 a.m. with the half marathon and 5K Run/Walk. The Elves Trot will begin at 8 a.m. Additionally, a free breakfast is provided for all Half Marathon and 5K participants beginning at 7:30 a.m. Elves Trot participant breakfast tickets are available for $3.50 up to 12 years of age. Breakfast for non-participants is available for $4 per adult or $3.50 per child 12 or under. Breakfast is provided by the Crossroads Rotary Club of San Bernardino. All Half Marathon and 5K finishers will receive custom finishers' medals. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age group in the Half Marathon and 5K. A trophy will be awarded to the overall male and female winners of each race and all Elves who register will receive Santa Claus medals. All medals and trophies awarded must be picked up on the day of the race. Entry fees are as follows: * Half marathon race day sign-up: $70 * 5K race day sign-up: $50 * Elves Trot through Dec. 1: $10. Loma Linda University Health current employees, staff and students can save $40 off regular registration fees by entering their 8-digit EID Number when registering (screen 4 online). This LLUH discount is limited to one entry per EID and is non-transferable (registrant name must match LLUH EID number). Registration is available on race day beginning at 6 a.m.