The second annual Wrigley River Run and Tadpole Trot, presented by the Naza Family Foundation, was a huge success.  More than 525 people participated in the three events: the 5k, 10k and the Tadpole Trot kids run.  The passing showers were not able to put a damper on the attitude of the volunteers from Long Beach City College Track., Beacon House, Pacific Baptist Church, The Wrigley Association, LBPD Explorers and individuals from throughout Long Beach  The event generated more than $25,000 in donations and registrations from the community.

Proceeds were donated to the AVID scholarship programs at local high schools and to support the AVID program at Jackie Robinson Elementary.

The event drew many walkers as well as seasoned runners. Mark Vishnevsky dominated the field in not only defending his title as the 5k champion from last year but also in winning the 10k race for the men.  Mark ran the 5k in 16:48 (30 seconds faster than last year) and took the 10k by almost 3 minutes with his 36:21 time.   For the women, 16 year old Laura Davila of Cabrillo HS won the 5k in 22:25 and Kelly Motyka won the 10k by 16 seconds in 47 :10.  The male and female winners of the 5k and 10k all left with free shoes donated by sponsor Road Runner Sports. 

In addition to the Naza Family Foundation, many local businesses supported the race through monetary and product donations including Buono’s Pizzeria, AECOM, Altus Realty Solutions, AA Graphics, and the Amat Family.

After a choir of Cabrillo students sang the national anthem, Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga officially kicked off the race.  The 5k and 10K race courses went from Holy Innocents Parish on Pacific Avenue to Burnett Street, west to the LA River Trail, and back to Holy Innocents Parish. 40 children participated in the 1k Tadpole Trot despite the rain that scared off some of the runners.  All participating tadpoles received medals as well as day-passes donated by the Aquarium of the Pacific and women’s soccer tickets donated by the LA Sol. Children in attendance also enjoyed pre- and post-race fun in a bounce house sponsored by Averyboo Arts and NEWS Insurance.

The rain unfortunately forced the Cabrillo High School Steel Drum Band to pack up before the 10k passed their spot on the course but the runners got to hear a group of six Cabrillo students sing the national anthem before the event and were entertained by Huntington Beach rock group, The Fallen Stars after the event.  Post-race food from Buono's, Clif Bar, El Paisano Market, and Noah's Bagels refueled the runners.