First Annual Grunion Run Attracts More Than 200 Runners

Eric Walters of Huntington Beach won the first annual Grunion Run on Sunday, March 15, finishing the 5K race at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point in 19 minutes, 43 seconds. Walters, 27, finished first out of a field of 178.

 

Danielle Simpson, 22, of Lake Forest was the first woman to cross the finish line at 23 minutes, 21 seconds.

 

Of the dozens of Dana Point runners, Stuart Glick, 50, finished first amongst the men (fifth overall) with a time of 21 minutes, 3 seconds and Meghan Devaney, 25, finished first amongst the woman (23^rd overall) with a time of 34 minutes, 43 seconds.

In the kids' 1K race, Max Kamper, 10, of Aliso Viejo finished first overall and Lauren Rose, 11, of San Clemente was the first girl to cross the finish line.

 

Event organizers estimated more than 200 runners participated in the 5K run and the 1K kids run. The first annual event was run by Golden Legs Racing out of Laguna Niguel and is expected to become a regular event at Dana Point’s annual Festival of Whales two-weekend celebration.

 

The event attracted a diverse field of participants ranging from elite athletes to moms pushing strollers. One racer even ran in a kilt.

 

Proceeds from the event-more than $3,000-benefited the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, funds that will help support interpretive events in Doheny State Beach and to refurbish the park’s Visitor’s Center, the county’s largest public aquarium.

 

For a complete list of finishers visit here.

For more information on the event visit www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com.