500 Expected in Charity Tavern Run
More than 500 participants are expected Sunday for the 13th Annual Bar-to-Bar Christmas Charity Run in San Pedro, a community tradition in which joggers dressed in holiday costumes raise donations at local taverns for the harbor area’s disabled youth.
The event, beginning at 8:30 a.m., spans four miles and costs $5 to enter. Organizer Carmen Trutanich said this year’s goal is to raise at least $5,000 in donations for four local organizations, including the Harbor Area Retarded Children’s Foundation. In addition, he said, canned goods and other food will be collected for Toberman Settlement House.
The event began on Christmas Eve, 1977, when Trutanich and five other joggers ran through San Pedro singing Christmas carols. The following year, with more runners, the group stopped off at local taverns to sing carols and collect money. Over the years, the event has drawn hundreds of runners--dressed as Santas, elves and even Christmas trees--and raised thousands of dollars in contributions.
The run will begin at the intersection of 9th Street and Grand Avenue and will be followed by a holiday dance party at the same location.
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