Warm Weather Advisory
2024 Santa Monica Classic
event title
Santa Monica Classic
Los Angeles, CA, CA 92001 United States
Warm Weather Expected
Saturday, September 7, 4:30pm Update
This is our update for Saturday, September 7. This information is meant to clarify the changes for tomorrow's race.
- There is still a 10K option, but the course is not the official USATF Course. It is now two loops of the 5K course with an earlier start time of 7:00 AM. You will get results.
- All participants may choose to run the 5K without affecting their Challenge Medal qualification
- We are offering an earlier start time of 7:00 AM. There is a second, rolling start, from 7:30 - 8:30 AM for the 5K.
- All 5K participants must start by 8:30 AM
- The Kids Run will now start at 9:00 AM
There is race morning bib pick up. If you are planning to start at 7:00 AM and did not pick up today, please arrive early, there will be lines. If you are planning to start at 7:30 AM or later – take your time!
All participants may start at 7:00 AM. There will be a second start at 7:30 AM and the start line will remain open until 8:30 AM for the 5K (closing 30 minutes earlier than planned).
10K PARTICIPANTS
We understand this change may be disappointing. For those who have trained for the 10K, are acclimated to the heat, and can maintain an easy pace of 15 minutes per mile or faster, there will be an option to run two loops of the 5K course to complete a distance just shy of 6.2 miles (about 6.1 miles). You will receive a finisher time. Please check our FAQ for more details on this option.
BIB PICK-UP
Bib pick up is available tomorrow, race morning starting at 5:30 AM, Those aiming to start at 7:00 AM who did not pick up today should plan to arrive early (we cannot guarantee a 7:00 AM start time for those picking up on race morning). If you are planning to start at 7:30 or later, take your time. As a reminder, there is no gear check at the Santa Monica Classic.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
To further support participants on this warm day, we will provide:
- Misting station on course
- Iced towels at the finish line
- 4 water stations on the course
- Ample water and Electrolit at the Finish Line
No action is required to confirm your start time or distance. Your time will be recorded from the moment you cross the start line until you cross the finish line.
Please check our FAQ for more detailed and additional information. For questions not answered, find us on social @mccourtfoundation.
You can expect hear from us again tomorrow, Sunday September 8 by 4:30 AM. We do not expect any additional changes, but we will continue to communicate with you either way.
Thank you for your participation and patience. Your safety is our top priority—stay informed, stay cool, and let's make this an enjoyable event for everyone!
Friday, September 6, 7pm Update (updated 9/7, 9:45am)
Participant, volunteer, and staff safety remains our top priority. Due to the unusually warm weather forecast, the heat advisory in place for Los Angeles County and Santa Monica, and in consultation with city officials, we have made the following decisions to reduce the impact of heat on participants:
- The 10K is now two loops of the 5K course (see below for details) and must start at the new earlier start time of 7:00 AM
- All participants may choose to run the 5K without affecting their Challenge Medal qualification
- We are offering an earlier start time of 7:00 AM
- All 5K participants must start by 8:30 AM
- The Kids Run will now start at 9:00 AM
All participants, regardless of their originally registered distance, may start at 7:00 AM. There will be a second start at 7:30 AM and the start line will remain open until 8:30 AM (closing 30 minutes earlier than planned).
10K PARTICIPANTS
We understand this change may be disappointing. For those who have trained for the 10K, are acclimated to the heat, and can maintain an easy pace of 15 minutes per mile or faster, there will be an option to run two loops of the 5K course to complete a distance just shy of 6.2 miles (about 6.1 miles). You will receive a finisher time. To participate in this option, you please pick up your bib on Saturday, September 7 and start with the 7:00 AM group. Please check our FAQ for more details on this option.
BIB PICK-UP
We strongly encourage all participants to pick up their bib and t-shirt on Saturday, September 7, at the 3rd Street Promenade between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. While bib pick-up will be available on Sunday morning starting at 5:30 AM, the earlier start time and increased arrivals will result in heavier traffic and longer lines. Those aiming to start at 7:00 AM are especially encouraged to pick up their bibs on Saturday for the best chance of starting earlier (we cannot guarantee a 7:00 AM start time for those picking up on race morning). As a reminder, there is no gear check at the Santa Monica Classic.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
To further support participants on this warm day, we will provide:
- Misting station on course
- Iced towels at the finish line
- 4 water stations on the course
- Ample water and Electrolit at the Finish Line
No action is required to confirm your start time or distance. Your time will be recorded from the moment you cross the start line until you cross the finish line.
We ask everyone to recalibrate their race due to the warm weather conditions, slow down, and enjoy a Sunday morning run along the coast. This will not be a day to achieve PRs. Scroll down for additional tips for the warm weather.
Please check our FAQ below for more detailed and additional information. For questions not answered below, find us on social @mccourtfoundation.
You can expect hear from us again tomorrow, Saturday, September 7 by 8:00 PM and Sunday September 8 by 4:30 AM. We do not expect any additional changes, but we will continue to communicate with you either way.
Thank you for your participation and patience. Your safety is our top priority—stay informed, stay cool, and let’s make this an enjoyable event for everyone!
Thursday, September 5, 2pm Update
We are expecting unusually warm weather in Los Angeles County and Santa Monica this weekend, September 6 - 8, 2024. Participant, volunteer, and staff safety remains our top priority.
At this time, the race will proceed as planned, but we will continue to monitor the weather closely. You can expect updates, even if there are no changes, here on our website, via email to all participants, and on social media @McCourtFoundation, by the following times:
- Friday, 9/6 by 7pm PT
- Saturday, 9/7 by 8pm PT
- Race morning on Sunday, 9/8 by 4:30am PT
Warm Weather Running Tips
Be prepared to participate in the warm weather this Sunday by following these tips:
Hydrate Properly
- Before the race: Start hydrating well in advance. Drink plenty of water the day before the race, and include electrolyte-rich drinks to maintain your body’s balance.
- During the race: Drink when you're thirsty, and take advantage of water stations. Don’t wait until you’re dehydrated to drink.
- After the race: Continue to rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes.
Dress for the Heat
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing: Wear breathable fabrics that help wick sweat away from your body.
- Light colors: Light-colored clothes will reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cooler than dark-colored ones.
- Hat with a brim: Protect your face from direct sunlight and keep your head cool.
Use Sun Protection
- Sunscreen: Apply water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin to prevent sunburn.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays and improve visibility on sunny days.
Pace Yourself
- Adjust your pace: Don’t push for a personal best. Slow down and listen to your body. Running in heat puts extra strain on your body, so be mindful of your limits.
- Walk if necessary: Take walking breaks when needed to lower your heart rate and avoid overheating.
Listen to Your Body
- Watch for warning signs: If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, faint, or disoriented, slow down or stop immediately. Seek medical assistance if needed.
Stay Cool Before the Race
- Pre-race cooling: Stay in the shade before starting, or use a wet cloth to keep your body temperature down.
FAQ's
Los Angeles County and Santa Monica are under an extreme heat advisory through Monday, September 9 (as of 9/6). The safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff is our top priority.
- The 10K is now two loops of the 5K course (see below for details) and must start at the new earlier start time of 7:00 AM
- All participants may choose to run the 5K without affecting their Challenge Medal qualification
- The start times have changed:
- New earlier start time of 7am (this will be a wave start. Timeline determined by number of people who show up to participate at 7am).
- 7:30am start with a rolling open start until 8:30am (30 minutes earlier than previously scheduled).
- Kids Run now at 9am (was scheduled for 10:15am)
- An unofficial 10K option is available to those who choose with the following caveats
- Must start at 7am (Corrals will open at 6:30am)
- Must pick up bib on Saturday, 9/7
- Will run 2 loops of the 5K course which will be slightly shorter than 6.2miles
Official start times are now:
- 7:00am with a wave start
- 7:30am with a rolling open start until 8:30am. That means you can start anytime between 7:30am and 8:30am.
- 9:00am Kids Run start
There were several factors that affect our ability to move the start time, including staffing, volunteers, set up time, access to the streets/street closures, and a Santa Monica Municipal Code of 7:00AM earliest start time.
Additionally, having only a 5K course (instead of the 5K and 10K courses), allows us to condense resources with volunteers, water, and ice.
The changes we are implementing ensure the best and safest participant experience.
Bib pick-up will still be at the 3rd Street Promenade between Santa Monica and Broadway.
Bib pick up times will remain the same:
- Saturday, 9/7: 10am – 4pm
- Sunday, 9/8, starting at 5:30am
We strongly encourage ALL participants to pick up on Saturday.
Those who intend to complete the 10K must pick up their bib on Saturday.
Those wishing to start at 7:00 AM on Sunday are strongly advised to pick up on Saturday.
We will not hold the 7:00 AM start time for late arrivals.
All participants will complete the 5K course. If you are opting to do the 10K, you will run the 5K course twice.
No, no action is required for you to tell us your start time or distance. Your finish time will be from when you cross the start line to when you cross the finish line.
- You must start at the 7:00am start
- You must be able to keep a 15 min/mile pace
- You must pick up your bib on Saturday, September 7 between 10am – 4pm
Please also note, it will not be a full 6.2 miles, the course will be slightly short of that.
The is two loops of the 5K course; it is not our announced 10K course and the distance will be slightly less than 6.2 miles (likely around 6 or 6.1 miles). Participants will make a u-turn before the finish line on the first loop to start your second loop. If you go through the finish line, you will not be able to turn back. The u-turn access point to the second loop will close at 8:15am.
Yes, You will receive a finish time for your distance.
We will still offer Age Group Awards and RRCA National 5K Championship awards for the 5K.
We will not offer 10K age group awards
No, this will have no effect on Challenge Medal qualification. We will honor your qualification based on the distance(s) you registered for.
Yes, you will be able to pick up your shirt and medal at our office beginning the week of 9/16. Our office hours are limited, so please reach out to our Customer Relations Specialist at solutions@mccourtfoundation.org to coordinate a date and time. We do not ship shirts or medals. Please expect delayed response to requests from 9/6 through 9/13. We appreciate your patience.
We will have 1 misting station on course. We are moving the water station resources from the 10K to the 5K course, adding 2 more aid stations to the 5K course (4 total). We will have iced towels at the finish line.
There will be ample water and Electrolit post-race as well.
We encourage all participants to listen to their body on race day. It is not the day to go for a personal best. Please check our warm weather running tips here for more info.
Yes. You can wear a hydration pack and bring your own hydration on race morning. Be sure to start hydrating Friday and Saturday too.
We do not offer transfers, deferrals, or refunds on race registrations, as stated and agreed to during the registration process. If you purchased Refund Protect through Haku, there will be a link in your confirmation email to their refund request form.
We do not offer transfers, deferrals, or refunds on race registrations, as stated and agreed to during the registration process. If you purchased Refund Protect through Haku, there will be a link in your confirmation email to their refund request form.
Yes, you can pick up your child's medal and t-shirt on Sunday until 9:30am at the event or at our office the week of 9/16. More details to come.