Annual 5K/10K fundraiser for Special Olympics Southern California set to run on Sunday (Nov. 19) as part of USC-UCLA rivalry week.
LONG BEACH, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2017) – Special Olympics Southern California will host the sixth annual We Run the City Rivalry Race presented by The Smile Generation this Sunday, Nov. 19, in support of its more than 31,400 athletes. The fundraiser event celebrates the annual UCLA vs. USC football game and comes at the end of the annual Rivalry Week.
The event will be held at Wilson Plaza on the UCLA campus and caps off rivalry week, one day after the UCLA vs. USC football game. Official timing will be carried out as students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans compete for bragging rights and the We Run the City trophy. UCLA won the event last year.
Interested participants register online at www.WeRunTheCity.com and declare their allegiance for UCLA or USC. Registration includes a Team UCLA or USC event T-shirt and a finisher’s medal presented by a Special Olympics athlete. Registration and packet pick-up opens at 6:30 am. This year’s race features a 5K Run/Walk, a 10K Run, a Virtual Race (learn more HERE) and the Kids’ Run presented by University Credit Union.
Event Day Timing:
Parking Lot 4 Open: 6 a.m. ($12 Paid to UCLA)
Registration / Packet Pick Up: 6:30 a.m.
5k & 10k Start: 8:30 a.m.
Kids’ Run Start: 9:15 a.m.
Rivalry Series Flag Football: 9:30 a.m.
Raffle: During Half Time of Flag Football
Fan Fest: 6:30a.m. to 11 a.m.
USC Auxiliary Services will sponsor a free shuttle from the USC Campus’ Lyon Center. Shuttle leaves at 6:30 am and will hold 45 passengers. The shuttle is first come, first serve.
Friends and family are welcome to join the fun at the Fan Fest. The Fan Fest will set the tone for the event and include food trucks, vendors, music, entertainment and a free photo booth.
All registration fees help Special Olympics Southern California provide free year-round sports training and competitions to people with intellectual disabilities. Runners can also fundraise for Special Olympics to earn incentives such as hats, apparel and various other prizes.
“Rivalry Week in Southern California is one of the best in college football. The UCLA-USC rivalry is one of the most storied rivalries across the country,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “We are honored and excited that the Bruins and Trojans are coming together to support our athletes, acceptance, and inclusion.”
How can UCLA or USC win the rivalry run? The calculation includes three categories: the school with the most registered runners, the school that raises the most funds, and the school that has first 100 runners cross the finish line. The school that wins at least two out of three categories claims victory.
In addition to the races, the schedule of events will include a costume contest; warm up at the Fan Fest and Unified Sports Rivalry Series flag football game presented by University Credit Union.
The Smile Generation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event. University Credit Union and Sprive are Gold Sponsors, while UCLA Recreation is a silver sponsor. Bronze sponsors are Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP, and USC Auxiliary Services. Blue Ribbon sponsors are Power Crunch, United Airlines Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon Los Angeles, and Coca-Cola.
This annual fundraiser raises more than $225,000 for Special Olympics Southern California annually since it began in 2012. Learn more at www.werunthecity.com.
About Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. Special Olympics helps athletes become more independent, build self-esteem, and live healthier lives. They inspire people to open their hearts and create more accepting and inclusive communities. All Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes and their families. Special Olympics Southern California has earned a 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator for exceeding industry standards. This ranking is the highest Charity Navigator offers to an organization and is given because Special Olympics has demonstrated strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency. Learn more at www.sosc.org.
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