ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CHEAPSKATE HALF-MARATHON!!

June 3rd, 2012: Santa Monica Pier
Congrats to the winner: CHAD EVANS
Congrats to the other finishers: MARK SPANN, LINDSAY EVANS, and SEAN SPANN

NEXT CHEAPSKATE HALF IS COMING IN DECEMBER! KEEP TRAINING!

CHEAPSKATE HALF MARATHON UPDATE

Here's the easiest route that provides us non-stop beach, accessible parking, something easy to remember, and 13.1 mile course.

We're going to start at the Santa Monica Pier. There are a few parking lots that give you two hours free before they start charging for parking. Or, you can find a neighborhood and walk a smidge. Even if you park in a "first two hours free" lot, they usually charge a dollar for every 30 minutes after. So, even if you're there for 3 hours, you'll only be paying $2 for parking. Not bad.

We'll meet (or attempt to) at the SOUTH entrance to the tunnel that goes under the SANTA MONICA PIER.

Walk onto the pier via Colorado St. (or blvd...), and head south through the parking lot near the Pier Aquarium. You should find some stairs that take you down to the tunnel entrance on the beach level. From there, we'll run 4 miles down to the Marina Del Mar Avalon. You'll know when you're there because you'll run into a marina (water) and you'll have to turn around. Then, we'll run the four miles back, run through the tunnel and north up the beach for another 2.55 miles. There is a clear building that will serve as a marker as where to turn around. But it will be much easier to explain when we start the race. I promise, I'll make sure everyone knows where they're going before we leave. Also, the best way to do water stops this time is to look for water fountains and drink out of them. Last time we ran the beach there seemed to be a water fountain somewhere every half mile or so... you're always welcome to sport the water belt (I'm talking to you Lindsay! Bust that awesomeness out!) or grab some mini water bottles to jog with to float you the first half at least.

If you're making a shirt for the first time, in addition to the "Too Cheap to Make it Official" slogan, feel free to add "Founders Day Run" to the shirt, as Cheapskate founder Mark Spann will be in attendance!

3RD SOMEWHAT-ANNUAL LOS ANGELES CHEAPSKATE HALF MARATHON

8am - JUNE 3RD, 2012

SANTA MONICA PIER(ish)

It's that time again! Time to run 13.1 miles for no other reason than it feels good and good people are running it with you (unless they're a jerk and run ahead just to "win"... lame...). And we gather food for the ne
If this is your first time to the Cheapskaterunners site and/or race, go ahead and scroll down to see what it's all about - and how you'll need to prepare (number assignment, shirt, awards, water stops, etc...). This one is no different. The only thing that has changed is the course. We'll be running the beach. Long, flat and breezey.

For any new comers:  This race is officially unofficial. It is not sanctioned or in any way regulated by any formal racing organization. It's fun. Even if you want to win. Winning is fun too. In regards to what you'll need to be prepared to bring, and wear, and pay (or not pay), please scroll down to the previous race post. And please, whatever you do, do not hestitate to get your run on.

The entry fee is still a canned good, but feel free to bring more if you'd like! I got a big trunk! And we're still working on water stop(s)... I'll keep everyone posted!

Finally, I didn't do enough planning to get a good idea of who exactly is coming out. So, at 8:02am, on the button, we're gonna take off. I'll post the more specific parking and meeting directions soon, if you're there, you're racing! 

EMAIL ME IF YOU KNOW YOU'RE COMING OUT AND I'LL MAKE SURE TO EMAIL DIRECT UPDATES!! sean.spann@gmail.com

In honor of our quickly approaching, minimally anticipated, much procrastinated, 3rd Annual Los Angeles Cheapskate Half Marathon:

These are shots from our last run - December 10th, 2011. (It's embarrassing how long it took me...)

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!