Fun races and events combine for Week of Los Al

Race Los Al (formerly Race on the Base) returns to the streets of Los Alamitos for its 40th year on Sept. 17. The two-day event includes a Glow in the Dark Run and Groovin’ Glide and virtual and in-person 5K and 10K run/walks and a 10K wheelchair/handcycle. This year’s 5K/10K course will both start and finish at Pine Street and Florista Avenue, location of the My City, My Los Al Street Fair.

The fun starts on Friday, Sept. 17, with the the Groovin’ Glide at 7 p.m. Participants are invited to gear up in ’80s fashions, then lace up roller skates of any variety for this 1.5-mile course that’s open to all ages. The Glow in the Dark Run starts half an hour later, with 0.75- and 1.5-mile options. It’s also for all ages and is open to runners and walkers. Both events are noncompetitive, and event organizers remind everyone to take it “nice and easy” at the start to avoid causing any injury to others.

The evening’s events also include a Glow in the Darkthemed costume contest, in which attendees are invited to bring their own creative flair to the race. It’s a family-friendly event, so costume pieces should be appropriate for the general public. They should also be properly attached so as to not become a trip hazard on the course. Prizes will be awarded for best family-friendly theme, “wacky neon” and best imagination. Winners must be present, with their race bibs on, at the time of judging.

Saturday’s race starts with an opening ceremony at the starting line at 7:55 a.m. Beforehand, registered racers and spectators are welcome to peruse the surrounding Health & Fitness Expo. Participants in the 5K and 10K run/walks and 10K wheelchair/ handcycle take off at 8 a.m. and should return in time for the street fair at 10 a.m.

The My City, My Street Fair, which runs Sept. 17 from 4-8 p.m. and Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., will feature more than 60 vendors from Los Alamitos and neighboring cities, many of them offering give-aways, race merchandise, active clothing and shoes, and food and drinks. There will also be a farmers market and performances from live bands.

Race Los Al also offers the Honoring Our Fallen Virtual 5K Run/Walk. Participants can honor America’s fallen heroes from anywhere in the world by completing a 5K run or 5K walk at their leisure. Race fees benefit Honoring Our Fallen, a Garden Grove-based organization that provides programs and services that support the grieving families of U.S. service members.

To register, go to raceroster. com/events/2021/47806/race-losal or at the registration tent on the day of the event(s) on Pine Street, between Katella Avenue and Florista Street. Bibs can be picked up at that tent starting at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17.

In-person and wheel-friendly races will take over the streets of Los Alamitos.