2011 LOS ANGELES CHEAPSKATE HALF MARATHON is Approaching!!!

Here's the Vitals:

2nd Annual Los Angeles Cheapskate Half Marathon and Food Drive

WHERE: TBA - Most likley we'll start in Griffith Park (the Ferndell entrance, just off of Western). I'll post the more specific route soon. If I can find a different, comparable route that is easy for people to follow and without a lot of traffic stops, I'll send that to you STAT.

WHEN: Saturday, December 10th @ 8am

DISTANCE: 13.1 Miles


THINGS to KNOW:

1. As it's a cheapskate half, the admission cost is a minimum of one non-perishable food item (preferably one that you already have in your cabinet) for the food drive. You are welcome to bring more if you'd like, but admission is only one per person. I have a charity lined up. It's a homeless shelter for kids in Santa Monica. I'll have more info on that as soon as I remember to email the woman.

2. Regardless of where we run, there will be two water stops (mostly likely set up by my awesome girl friend who's willing to sit around and wait for people to run by). Last year, it worked out just fine that people brought water in their own bottles, and we threw it in a cooler and had Jennice pour it into paper cups at the water stops. If you'd prefer mini water bottles to carry with you, feel free to bring them along. We can throw them in the cooler and hand them to you at the stations if you'd like.

3. Attire - YOUR NUMBER IS CHOSEN BY YOU. Please EMAIL me whatever number you think is good, lucky, funny, etc... It'll be a confirmation that you're running. (Obviously, as there's no fee, not showing up will only mean that I'll shame you for at least a week, and mostly silently). Last year someone went as Pi. Very nice. Other people just like to wear old racing numbers. That works too. If you DON'T use an old racing number, please make sure to attach a number to your body somewhere. This is mostly to add some class to the race. HOWEVER, attach that number however you'd like. Last year, I believe Matt Farmer wrote his number on cardboard and wrapped it around his waist with twine. Perfect. I wrote mine onto my shirt. Maybe less original, but also effective.

4. Somewhere on the shirt, shorts, or pants you're running in, it must say CHEAPSKATE HALF MARATHON. It can be attached with tape, or written directly onto an old shirt that you'll wear proudly once the race is over. People should know that we mean business if they see us running by.

5. Most importantly - this is for fun, though competitiveness is certainly welcomed. Mostly, for any newcomers, know that this is unofficial and in no way supported or acknowledged by the city of los angeles. We run at our own risk and no one is held responsible for any injuries sustained during the run. That is, of course, unless I'm super clumsy and trip someone. Totally my fault. I'll apologize.

We gather, we run, we celebrate each other and the spirit of bettering our selves and our surroundings, and we donate some food.

I'll also likely be planning some spot to gather afterwards. The bees at the waffle stand were just too much last year...

PLEASE email me if you have any questions. PLEASE CONFIRM with me through email if you are pretty sure you're coming. I need to have an idea of how many people are coming.

All other messages or posts will be much shorter than this one - small updates as the race approaches. See you all soon!

TAKE THE CHEAPSKATE CHALLENGE!!!!

Alright runners. How about this for a great story - Over Christmas of this past year, a member of the Missouri Chapter of Cheapskate Runners, Larry Kloppe, completed his 1,000th mile in the year 2010. One year, 1000 miles - and he's 70 years young!

I think we can all take that challenge. How about it? The Cheapskate 1000 Mile Challenge? Run at least 1000 miles in 2011, and we'll post the names of everyone who completed with the number of miles run (maybe some prizes for the top finishers). THIS CHALLENGE IS OPEN TO ANYONE READING THIS POST. Feel free to email me weekly if you had a great route, a stroke of divine inspiration during a running high, or have a story to tell about your run or the runners you ran with - I'll post whatever you send with your name, or anonymously (if you'd like). Let's do this!

December 11th, 2010: 1st Annual Los Angeles Cheapskate Half Maraton and Food Drive!

Thanks to all that came out to the 1st Annual Los Angeles Cheapskate Half Maraton and Food Drive! The next race will be even bigger! For those that are hearing about this race for the first time, it's an informal gathering of runners wishing to avoid the high racing fees and just gather and run with people they know and like, or don't know and would like to like. And while we're at it - we might as well help out those in need with a good ol' fashioned food drive. The entry fee for the first race was a canned food item. But many people brought more (thanks!)

The original race was started by Mark Spann and the Washington, Missouri "McFun Runners", and we're excited to bring the race to the west coast.

Enjoy the photos, and keep checking back for the date of the next race!