Len Goldman: Jogging & Striding Around the Lake - “Couples Relay” race around Lake Merritt February 25

Join the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders for the 29th annual “Couples Relay” run/walk on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 9:00 AM.

The flat, fast course starts and finishes at beautiful Lake Merritt in Oakland and runners circle the Lake during their run. Approximately 200 runners and walkers are expected to participate in this event.

This unique race—LMJS’s oldest— pits two-person teams against each other for bragging rights as to which team is the fastest.

The race has a Valentine theme and there will be sweets for all the participants.

The race starts at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House at 568 Bellevue Avenue [map].

Each team member in the Couples Relay runs one 5K lap around Lake Merritt.

Age categories are based on the combined age of both runners and placings are based on the team’s total time.

Walkers are welcome and there is a separate division for them.

The pre-registration entry fee is $20 per couple. There is a reduced “Youth team” entry fee of just $11 per team, combined age must be 34 and under.

The first 80 teams (160 participants) receive a pair of low-profile fanny packs with the famous LMJS running duck logo printed on it.

Here are some of the things the race has to offer:

Every team will receive a goody bag containing Clif Bars, granola cereal sample from Bear Naked, Sports Beans from Jelly Belly, and almond peanut butter from Barney Butter
Post race refreshments of bottled Arrowhead water and bananas
Participation ribbons to all runners
The top three teams in each age division receive place ribbons
Discount coupons good at local running stores
Free sports massages
A random drawing of prizes

The random prizes will include gift certificates to Inside/Out Fitness, gift certificates from local running stores, and various running apparel items.

You can register on-line. You can download a flyer with detailed information and an entry form: (236KB pdf).

For more information either call the club hotline at (510) 644-4224 or go to the Couples Relay website.

Finally, the race benefits a local non-profit, the Oakland chapter of Hershey Track and Field Games. This program is the largest youth sports program in North America and kids ages 9 to 14 participate in running, jumping and throwing events.