Lexus Santa Monica 5000 Attracts Top Field for Saucony Elite West Coast Invitational
Available prize purse exceeds $10,000; October 11 event to benefit Saint John's Health Center

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Posted Thursday, 8 October, 2009

From Ryan Lamppa, Running USA

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (October 7, 2009) - Generic Events has announced the addition of sports brand Saucony to the sponsor list for the Lexus Santa Monica 5000. Joining sponsors Ed Hardy Sport and Lexus, Saucony brings the running world to Southern California with the Elite West Coast Invitational featuring top athletes from around the globe. The addition of this elite division expands the 4th edition includes a 5K, 10K and 2.5K dash. The races all take place on Sunday, October 11, 2009 with proceeds benefiting Saint John's Health Center.

"We at Saucony are loyal to the sport of running. Part of our mission is to support local running communities, by joining forces with the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 we hold true to our company's mission," stated Kirk Antonson, West Coast Tech Representative, Saucony.

"We are very pleased with the field for the 2009 Saucony Elite West Coast Invitational," said event director, Brennan Lindner, Generic Events. "Our goal has always been to showcase the beauty and excitement of elite racing to Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Saucony brings their commitment to running which attracts a high caliber of runners from around the U.S. and the world."

This year's race features defending women's race champion and course record holder (15:47) Belainesh Gebre of Ethiopia. 2007-08 women's 10K winner and course record holder (35:53) Christine Bolf of Los Angeles will be returning as well.

For the men, Haron Lagat of Kenya, who was first in 2006 and runner-up in 2007, is returning to reclaim the title in 2009. He will have to hold off Christian Hesch from Morro Bay, Calif., who finished second in 2008.

Kicking off at the infamous Santa Monica Pier the event features three runs: a 5K, 10K and 2.5K dash for kids. Competitor magazine and Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine both named the event as "a must do" for all avid runners. New financial incentives have been established for 2009 with the purse progressing from $150 to the maximum of $1000 plus time bonuses:

Prize Money & Time Bonus Structure
Santa Monica 5000 (Men and Women)
1st = $1000
2nd = $700
3rd = $500

Santa Monica 5000 Time Bonuses (Men and Women)
(Non-cumulative, only the highest time bonus is awarded)
Men
Sub-14:20 = $300
Sub-14:35 = $150

Women
Sub-16:30 = $150
Sub-16:00 = $300

Santa Monica 10,000 (Men and Women)
1st = $500
2nd = $300
3rd = $200

1st Santa Monica Resident* (male or female) in the 10K Run = $200
*Winners must be able to present a driver's license with a valid Santa Monica address.

Saint John's is the beneficiary of the Lexus Santa Monica 5000. As a fundraising event, the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 provides vital support for essential services and community programs offered by Saint John's Health Center. This is especially important in the current economic climate that has brought unprecedented financial challenges to many hospitals throughout Southern California.

To learn more about the event, to sign-up as a participant and more, visit: www.santamonica5000.com

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