CasITa-to-5k Kids 4 Kids 5k Race Report

The CasITa-to-5k graduated from the Couch-to-5k training program this morning at the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) Kids 4 Kids 5k RUN/WALK.

The race benefited the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). The CCRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing national support for pediatric cancer clinical research and improving the medical environment for all children.

Raadio Disney provided the pre-race entertainment.

The Start Line was in front of L.A. Live, across from the Staples Center.

Davis Gaines from The Phantom of the Opera performed the National Anthem.

By the time the race started at 10:00, it had warmed up significantly.

The course was fast and flat but there were stretches with no shade to provide respite from the intense sun.

The route looped so the first time around, you were forced to run past the Finish Line.

We took multiple walk breaks and tried our best not to overheat. We poured cups of water on ourselves to cool off.

We managed to sprint the last quarter mile to the Finish Line. According to Mr. Green Garmin, we finished in 41:18.

We received an MVP Finishers Flyer with a section for autographs on the reverse side and a reusable goody bag full of candy, snacks, and sports nutrition.

I was pleasantly surprised by the All Star Carnival. It featured several carnival games, multiple bounce houses and mazes, a giant slide, a Ferris wheel, and a swinging pirate ship. There was also an arts and crafts booth where you could make art to be given to children in the hospital.

The Yum 4 My Tum food court featured food from In-N-Out.

The race was extremely well organized and there were lots of volunteers. The course was clearly marked and there were ample support staff at all times.

It was great to see so many families with small children participating in the race. I saw a number of strollers with bibs pinned on.

Numerous runners had pictures of the child they were honoring on the run printed on their shirts.

It was the perfect graduation day for CasITa-to-5k.

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go. Dr. Seuss

Kids 4 Kids 5k CasITa-to-5k Graduation Day

The CasITa-to-5k has set an official graduation date of Sunday, April 17th, at the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) Kids 4 Kids 5k RUN/WALK.

The race benefits the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). The CCRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing national support for pediatric cancer clinical research and improving the medical environment for all children.

One of CCRF's initiatives was to donate children's hospital gowns with Disney and Warner Bros. characters to hospitals across the country. This small gesture was significant to me because I distinctly remember visiting a pediatric oncology ward and thinking that the Disney hospital gowns and masks were a cheery touch in an otherwise sterile environment.

The CasITa-to-5k will also donate money to sponsor a couple of families with children with cancer to attend the event.

The Kids 4 Kids 5k will feature an 'All Star' Carnival with athletes and celebrities at the Finish. The CasITa-to-5k will have the opportunity to meet Walkaround Elmo and maybe even get a graduation picture with the guy.