Keep L.A. Running 5/10K
To Offer Cash Prizes
For the first time, runners can earn prize money in the Keep L.A. Running 5K and 10K. Co-title sponsor Colonial Life will offer cash prizes to the top three finishers in both the 5K and 10K runs for men and women - $500 for first place, $350, for second place, $150 for third place.
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Mary Decker Slaney
Named Honorary Starter
Mary Decker Slaney, America's greatest middle distance runner, will be the honorary spokesperson and starter of the 15th annual Keep LA Running Charity 5K Run / Walk, 10K Run, Kids Dash, Coastal Bike Ride, and Mayor's Mile, Sunday, July 13, at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey. She also will participate in the 5K at the event.

The only athlete to hold every American record from 800 meters to 10,000 meters, Decker Slaney continues to own the U.S. women's records in the 1500 (3:57.12, set in 1983), mile (4:16.71 in 1985) and 3000 (8:25.83 in 1985.).

Her greatest international achievement came at the 1983 inaugural World Championships in Helsinki, where she won the 1500 and 3000 meters -- a feat that would become known as the "Decker Double" and that helped earn her the title of Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year for 1983. More »»

Riders roll out in the 2008 Keep LA Running bike ride.

Hesch, Reyes Trade Record-Setting 5K & 10K Wins
Highlighting 15th Annual Edition of Keep LA Running
Results | 5 American Income Life Photo Galleries, Plus a Photo Essay

America's greatest middle distance runner of all time, Mary Decker Slaney, served as spokesperson for the 15th Annaul Keep LA Running. She also jogged the 5K with her sister, Denise, an Orange County resident. "It's the first time I've run in an event with my sister and it was a lot of fun," said Slaney, who, although about to turn 50, still holds four American records. Said Denise: "I ran harder than I would have run, but it was terrific."

Los Angeles, July 13 – In a duel of past winners, Christian Hesch of Morro Bay and Sergio Reyes of Los Osos traded victories and each set records at the 15th annual Keep LA Running 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Kids Dash, Coastal Bike Cruise and Mayor's Mile, Sunday, July 13 at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey.

Hesch, who had won the 5K in 2005, clocked a course record 14 minutes 29 seconds, 41 seconds faster than Bryan Dameworth ran in 2000. Reyes, who had won in 2004, was four seconds behind, and Derek Tate of Hollywood was third in 14 minutes 29 seconds in the fastest ever 5K at Dockweiler Beach.

In the women's 5K Tove Berg won comfortably in 17 minutes 40 seconds, followed by twin sisters Sabrina Lopez, 18:31, and Regina Lopez, 18:53 both of Alhambra.

Fifteen minutes after completing the 5K, Reyes started in the 10K race, leading from start to finish and winning in a course record 29 minutes 38 seconds - 28 seconds ahead of Brian Livingstone of Los Angeles. It was the first sub-30-minute time in the history of the event. Hesch also completed the unusual double, finishing third in 31:23.

Daniela Alonso of Los Angeles also set a race record in finishing first in the women's 10K in 35:43. She was followed by Emily Mitchell of Hermosa, Beach, 36:34, and Christine Bolf of Los Angeles, 38:40.

For the first time, the top three finishers in both the 5K and 10K shared in prize money. A total of $4,000 was up for grabs in the Colonial Life Prize Money competition, with $500 going to the male and female champions in each race. Complete results, a breakdown of the Colonial Life Prize Money, and the champions of the event from 1998 to present can be accessed on the Results Page.

Runners also competed for the PacifiCare Team Cup Competition, made up of five-person teams. In both the 5K and 10K, Mt. Gleason came away the winner.

The runners had an ideal day on which to chase records. Calm, cool conditions were perfect for running.

What a warmup! Participants at Keep LA Running were treated to high-spirited dance routines by the Chivas Girls (left), the Laker Girls (right) and the L.A. Sparks youth group.

Over 1,500 participants competed in the 5K and 10K runs and walks and the Coastal Bike Ride. The event raised more than $150,000 for its charities - the Pediatric Oncology Ward at County USC Women and Children's Hospital; the Harbor UCLA Medical Center Neonatal War; the American Cancer Society, and the L.A. County/SEIU Local 721 Emergency Relief Fund.

Track legend Mary Decker Slaney and 1936 Olympian and World War II hero Louie Zamperini acted as honorary starters for the races, which attracted many celebrities and elected officials.

Kaiser Permanente, Colonial Life, PacifiCare and American Income Life were co-title sponsors of the event. Other lead sponsors included LA County Federation of Labor, Trustmark, Benefit Vision, Delta Dental, Aflac, United Way, Law Office of Fensten & Gelber; Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Felton and Grant, Union Bank of California, Southern California Ford Dealers, Riley Marketing / Allstate Insurance, and Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke and Sherwin.