DATE:
Saturday, March 4, 2017
TIMES: 6:30 a.m. – Day of event registration opens
7:30 a.m. SHARP – Race starts (no late starters)
8 to 11 a.m. – Family Festival
LOCATION:
Balboa Park – West side near 6th and Olive Start line is at 6th and Palm and finish line is at Balboa Drive south of Quince
COURSE
Download the Course Map for the 2017 Finish Chelsea’s Run course!
PARTNER WITH GIRL SCOUTS SAN DIEGO
Chelsea’s Light Foundation is thrilled to be continuing its partnership with Girl Scouts San Diego on this great event. The two organizations share a common vision of recognizing and supporting young people who will make the world a better place.
BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE
In our effort to be a green event, we’re asking for your support. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to the event. We’ll have plenty of water distribution/refill locations (as well as cups) throughout the event site and on the course for you to refill your container.
DIRECTIONS TO THE RACE & PARKING:
From Interstate 5 south: Take Sassafras (Airport) exit. Turn left on Laurel heading east to the top of the hill. Look for free and metered street parking near and around the west side of Balboa Park and in available pay lots. From Highway 163 south: Take University exit. Turn right on University, then left on 4th Avenue. Once you near Balboa Park look for street parking. Do not attempt to drive to the race staging area from the east side of Balboa Park, as you will not be able to drive across the Laurel Street Bridge. There is metered street parking on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Avenues between Upas and Grape. We strongly encourage you to carpool if possible, and allow extra time to walk from your car to the event site.
Carpool on Event Day
Carpool to Finish Chelsea’s Run with Breez Rides. You can share gas & parking, limit your carbon footprint, and meet other change makers on the way who live nearby you and are also attending. It’s one simple step – sign up here if you are interested to carpool on March 4.
OUTLYING PARKING/SHUTTLES:
Additional parking will be available on the east side of Balboa Park in the “Old Naval Hospital” parking lot at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way and in adjacent lots. Complimentary shuttle bus service from these areas will run from 6 to 7 a.m. with pick up from Presidents Way and Park Boulevard. Traffic in the area may be heavy so plan to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time.
BIB NUMBERS:
Your bib number must be worn on the front of your T-shirt or shorts, and be clearly visible at all times. Blue colored bibs are for those who will be timed and white bibs are for those in the “just for fun” untimed category
SHORT & SWEET ROUTE
Not up for going the full 5K (3.1-mile) distance? No problem! We have a “Short & Sweet Route” just for you! Register for the 5K (be sure to select the untimed option) and on race day, start the 5K at 7:30 a.m. At the intersection of Balboa Drive and Laurel Street (and before heading over the bridge toward the east side of Balboa Park) follow the signs directing you back to the festival area. This alternative course is approximately 1 mile.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS WELCOME
Live outside of San Diego or unable to join us on race day? That’s okay, you can still be a part of this great event and support the cause by selecting “Virtual Participant” during the registration process. The Virtual Participant registration fee includes an event shirt that will be mailed in advance. This will allow all virtual participants to wear their event shirt on race day and celebrate in their own special way — we encourage you to wear your official shirt as you walk, run, play, sleep-in, or do something positive for your community. We’d love for you to share your plans and then post photos of yourself wearing your Finish Chelsea’s Run T–shirt on our Facebook page!
TIMING:
You have the option of doing the 5K “JUST FOR FUN” or “TIMED.” If you select “TIMED” you will receive a timing tag for an official race time. If you’re not interested in receiving an official time and want to run or walk just for fun, please choose “JUST FOR FUN”. Note: All participants will be able to see a digital clock at the finish line displaying the elapsed race time. If you’ll be taking the Short & Sweet route, sign up for the “JUST FOR FUN” option.
AWARDS:
Awards will be presented from the main stage to the top 3 overall male and female timed participants. Age group awards will be mailed to the top 3 male and female timed participants in the following age divisions: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80 +. To qualify, you must select “TIMED” when registering.
PACKET PICKUP EVENT AND RACE DAY REGISTRATION:
Early packet pick-up will be on Wednesday, March 1 from 11a – 6p at Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr, San Diego, CA 92111. This is REQUIRED for team captains to pick up their team packets. Individual members of teams are not allowed to pick up the team packets; the team captain must do this.
POST-RACE FAMILY FESTIVAL:
After your race join us at the Family Festival where you can enjoy refreshments, take a moment to write a message on the inspiration wall, decorate a sunflower pot, listen to music, visit exciting vendor booths and much more. Sunflowers (Chelsea’s favorite) will be available for $1 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Chelsea’s Light Foundation’s Sunflower Scholarship Fund.
NO NO’s:
With the exception of service animals, pets will not be allowed on the race course. Skates, bikes, scooters or any other similar devices are also not allowed on the race course. Please also note that smoking is prohibited in all San Diego County parks.
EVENT DAY ROAD CLOSURES
Click here to view which streets will be impacted on race day and when.
QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions, please contact the Finish Chelsea’s Run team at run@chelseaslight.org.