Santa Monica 5000, Sunday Oct. 22nd

In a thrilling finish down Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, Kenyan Haron Lagat successfully held off Jimmy Grabow to win the Los Angeles Sports and Fitness (LAS&F) Invitational at the Inaugural Saint John's Santa Monica 5000 on Sunday in 14:11. Lagat won $1000 for his first place finish, along with a $500 time bonus for breaking 14:20. (pictured above, Cristina Nardozzi with W's first place finisher, Kenyan Emily Chebet and Gray's Anatomy actor, Isaiah Washington; below, Steven Shock crosses the finish line).
In the women's 5k race, Kenyan Emily Chebet easily won in 16:16, in her first race in the United States. "I felt good and loved the course. I'll be back next year." (pictured below, Lucas Hekimian after his FIRST Race!, I think Daddy must have run very fast, by the look on his face...)

The festivities began early Sunday morning under overcast skies and 60 degrees as L.A. Roadrunners Coach Pat Connelly led a group stretch and his famous "Fire It Up" chant. The inaugural race, which attracted 1502 runners, got underway at 8:00 a.m. as Grey's Anatomy Actor Isaiah Washington fired the starting gun. Other celebrities involved with the race were JAG Actor David James Elliott, C.S.I. Actress Yeniffer Behrens, Actress Lisa Arturo from "American Pie 2" and "Jackass 2," Alex Bell and Kim Powers from "Survivor," and 2005 Miss Massachusetts Cristina Nardozzi.

The post-race Party on the Pier featured several live bands including Los Angeles-based "Kelly's Lot," "New Maximum Donkey," "Seeking Zenith," and "For Pete's Sake." Participants also enjoyed a pancake breakfast served by "Survivor's" Kim Powers, gait analysis performed by Coach Pat Connelly and activities for children including balloon animals, face painting, and a magician who works with live animals. (pictured below: Detra Jones, Marielle Monte, Jason Puerto & Ian Gonzales).

Race proceeds will help build the new Saint John's Emergency Department. With 30,000 patient visits each year, the Saint John's 24-hour Emergency Department provides life-saving services to the community each and every day. It also features a Fast Track program to provide care for life's minor bumps and bruises. "Saint John's has served the people of Santa Monica and neighboring communities for over 60 years. We are pleased to be the beneficiary of such a wonderful health and fitness event right here in our own community," said Robert O. Klein, Saint John's Vice President of Foundation and Health Center Relations. (below, John & Joe Jetsen with David James Elliott).

In addition to Saint John's, race sponsors included New Balance, Arrowhead Waters, Clif Bar, Galaxy Granola, Don Francisco and Trader Joe's. Media sponsors are the Santa Monica Daily Press, Los Angeles Sports and Fitness magazine, and Jack FM. Above: Cherice Calhoun, Seth Bart, Jeanette Dvorak & I - Below, Evan, Cristina, Mike, Danelle and Chris answered my call for help on event-day. THANKS GUYS!! I really appreciate you!!

Below, me w/race winner: Kenyan Haron Lagat (helloooooo, 14:11....5k.... anyone!!???)....

Newlyweds, Kim & Alex. Kim made pancakes for the 1,500+ after-party goers. Alex was our Emcee. Thank you both!!