Mark your calendars, running enthusiasts! The 17th Annual MandaRUN is set to take place on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, in the charming town of Loomis, California. This event is a must-do for anyone looking to burn off some pre-Thanksgiving calories or enjoy a beautiful autumn run. And guess what? It’s featured in our Thanksgiving Guide 2024, so you know it will be good!
A Tale of Two Races
The MandaRUN isn’t just one race – it’s two! You can choose between a half marathon and a 5K, depending on how much turkey you plan to eat later that week. Let’s break it down:
The Half Marathon: A Scenic Adventure
The half marathon is calling your name if you’re up for a challenge. This isn’t your average run around the block. Picture this: you start at Placer High School in Auburn and finish at the Train Depot in downtown Loomis. It’s a point-to-point race, which means you get to see a lot of scenery along the way.
The route is known for its gently rolling terrain, which is runner-speak for “just hilly enough to be interesting, but not so hilly that you’ll hate life.” Previous participants have raved about the course, with many saying they’d come back just for the views alone. So, if you’re the type who likes to combine your workout with some sightseeing, this is the race for you.
The 5K: A Loomis Loop
Not quite ready for 13.1 miles? No worries! The 5K is here to save the day. This out-and-back route starts and finishes at the Train Depot in Loomis. It’s perfect for those wanting to join the fun without committing to a half marathon. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of Loomis twice – once on the way out and once on the way back!
Why Run the MandaRUN?
Good Cause, Great RunThe MandaRUN isn’t just about breaking a sweat – it’s about supporting education. The event is presented by The Loomis Basin Education Foundation, which supports the Loomis Union School District. So, while you’re huffing and puffing your way to the finish line, you can feel good knowing that your entry fee is going towards a worthy cause.
Pre-Thanksgiving Calorie Burn
Thanksgiving is coming, and with it, the inevitable food coma. Why not get a head start on burning off those mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie? The MandaRUN gives you the perfect excuse to indulge guilt-free on Turkey Day. “I ran a half marathon last weekend” is a great response to “Are you sure you want another slice of pie?”
Bragging Rights
Imagine the conversation at your Thanksgiving dinner table:
Uncle Bob: “Pass the gravy, please.”
You: “Sure thing! By the way, did I mention I ran the MandaRUN last weekend?”
Everyone else: Impressed silence
Maybe it won’t go exactly like that, but you get the idea. Completing the MandaRUN is something to be proud of, whether you’re tackling the half marathon or the 5K.Picture Perfect MemoriesThanks to Foggy Bay Photos, you’ll have photographic evidence of your athletic prowess. They’ll be there to capture your triumphant (or exhausted) finish line crossing so you can relive the glory long after the race is over. Who knows? You might even get a new profile picture out of it!
The Nitty-Gritty Details
Date: Sunday, November 24th, 2024
Location:
- Half Marathon: Starts at Placer High School, Auburn, CA
- 5K: Starts and finishes at the Train Depot, Loomis, CA
Sponsor: A big thank you to Ace Hardware for sponsoring this event!
Tips for Race Day
- Dress for success: November in California can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend.
- Fuel up: Don’t skip breakfast! You’ll need that energy to power through the miles.
- Arrive early: Give yourself ample time to park, warm up, and find your starting spot.
- Pace yourself: Remember, it’s not a sprint (unless you’re doing the 100-meter dash, which, spoiler alert, isn’t part of this event).
- Have fun: Yes, it’s a race and a celebration of community and health. Enjoy the experience!
Ready, Set, Register!
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, the MandaRUN has something for everyone. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, support a good cause, and maybe even justify that extra helping of stuffing come Thanksgiving Day.
So, lace up those running shoes, start training (or at least think about training), and get ready for a run to remember. The 17th Annual MandaRUN is waiting for you at the starting line. Will you answer the call?
Source: lbef.loomis-usd.k12.ca.us
Header Image Source: Quino Al on Unsplash
