ABC ‘Into the Summer Fun Run’ Set for June 21

The ABC Into the Summer Fun Run 2014 may be just six weeks away, but registered Fun Run participants are gearing up for close competition not just for best times, but for largest and best costumed teams!  Teams are forming from both ABC schools and local community firms.

Sponsored by the ABC Education Foundation, this year’s Fun Run will be held at the Los Cerritos Center shopping mall on June 21, 2014 and features a 5K run/walk starting at 7:45 a.m.; a 2K run/walk at 9 a.m. and a Kid’s Dash starting at 9:45 a.m.  Everyone who participates will receive medals.  Trophies for 1st, 2d, 3d place finishers by age/gender categories and Best Team Perpetual trophies will be awarded.

So far, team Nixon Jammin’ Jaguars from ABC’s Nixon Academy is out in front by a small lead with 33 runners and walkers signed up, with the Niemes Ninja’s from Niemes Elementary and Team Gonsalves from Gonsalves Elementary schools neck in neck to overtake the Jaguars.  Community/business teams who are in the lead include LBS Financial Credit Union but Team Kaiser Permanente and Camino Federal Credit Union promise a last minute rush of entrants!

Team names for the 2014 ABC Fun Run are themed around running, with everything from ABC’s Adult Education team’s moniker, “Run like the winded!” to, “Fedde Parents and Staff in Motion” to “Burbank Bulldog Blitz.”  Community teams are forming with clever team names as “Ozzie’s Owls.” “Turbo” and “Joshie” picking up entrants.

Costumes are becoming a necessity at ABC’s Fun Run!  Last year, the Niemes team took the “Golden Shoe” Award for largest team and best costumes with all members wearing neon green tutus.  Niemes’ Ninjas team captain Fran Barron stated:  “This year’s team members will be outfitted with amazing Ninja outfits, to match our now-you-see-us, now-you-don’t speed!”

“We are looking forward to all of our ABC schools being represented at the Fun Run/Walk in support of the ABC Education Foundation,” stated Fun Run Event Coordinator Melinda Ortiz, Principal at Nixon Academy.  “Community teams are also encouraged to come up with clever names and costumes,” said Meg Jimenez, Fun Run Event Co-Coordinator and principal at Niemes Elementary School.

To register, visit the website abcsummerfunrun.com and select Register. You will be directed to the Active registration site.   Creating a team is easy; just follow the online steps in the registration process. Registration prices go up on May 21.   A Wellness Fair will provide free health, physical and dental screenings, wellness information and fun activities, including a stage featuring The School Tour, young entertainers touting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and anti-bullying strategies as well as ABC stars.

The ABC Education Foundation is the fundraising arm for the ABC Unified School District.  Every dollar raised by the ABC Fun Run is returned to teachers and students in the form of teacher grants, school supplies for backpacks for needy students and support for school or district events. The Fun Run proceeds ensure the Foundation’s goal to provide the financial resources needed so that every ABC student succeeds are met.  For more information on the ABC Education Foundation or how to participate as a Fun Run Sponsor, contact Terri Villa-McDowell at 562-926-5566, ext. 21150.