A patriotic runner finishes the 2008 Keep LA Running 5K in style.

Volunteers Sought
For 2009 Event
Volunteers are needed for the 16th annual Keep L.A. Running Charity 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Kids Dash, Coastal Fun Bike Cruise and Mayor's Mile , Sunday, July 12, at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey. The event is organized by SEIU Local 721 and is sponsored by PacifiCare, Kaiser Permanente, Colonial Supplemental Insurance, and American Income Life.

There will be over 200 volunteer positions available in the following areas: race registration, race pre-registration (the day before the race), event traffic control, water station monitors, mile timers, communications, volunteers to stuff the competitor goody bags, T-shirt distribution, volunteers to assist with race set-up, i.e., banners, information table, sponsor booths, awards presentation and press operations.

Volunteers will be also needed in the marketing area to help distribute race flyers to local businesses, to hang posters in local businesses, and to distribute brochures at upcoming road races.  Also, volunteers are needed to assist in the office for the days leading up to the event.

Keep LA. Running, which has grown into one of the most popular distance running events in Southern California , has raised over $800,000 for its beneficiary charities. Keep LA Running is a very special event, benefiting children with cancer, premature born babies and other worthy causes. The event was initiated in 1995 by then SEIU Local 660 L.A. County/Special Districts Employees Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to provide a safety net for L.A. County employees. The Emergency Relief Fund is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization (EIN 95-4842244). As the event has grown in profile, popularity and funds generated, it has added new charities - the Pediatric Oncology Service, Women's and Children's Hospital of LAC + USC Medical Center ; the Harbor UCLA Medical Center Neonatal Ward, and the American Cancer Society.

Those interested to volunteer for Keep LA Running are asked to call race director Mike Ward at Village Runner, (310) 546-1888 or email villagerunner@earthlink.net, or call the race hotline at (626) 463-0488.  For marketing, public relations or advance office volunteers, call Don Franken at (310) 535-9230 or email don@frankenenterprises.com.