Monster Mash Dash Is Track ‘n’ Treat Race
One of the best-known events in the running world is San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers--known not so much for its competitive reputation as for all-out zaniness.
This year’s event in May (the 81st running) drew more than 100,000 runners and walkers, some in costumes--including a bride and her bridesmaids, a man dressed as a portable toilet and a group of runners disguised as a U.S. postal truck.
A relatively young Orange County event is going for a similar feel, although it has a way to go before it matches the scale of the San Francisco run. Last year’s Monster Mash Dash drew about 1,500 walkers and runners to MainPlace/Santa Ana, and organizers expect about the same number this year at the new location, the Irvine Marketplace shopping center.
“We really think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Kim Domnitz of Dana Point-based Race Pace Promotions. “We’re trying to get people to wear costumes.”
Monster Mash Dash IV includes a 5-kilometer run and a 2K walk/run, both on flat Irvine streets. The 5K course should be a fast one. Runners will head north on Campus Drive from the Marketplace, turn right on University Drive and loop back to the Marketplace along Harvard Avenue, Bridge Road and Stanford.
This year’s run is overshadowed by the trappings: Costume contests, live music and a performance by comic Jim Hope will follow the race. Children will be given “boo bags” and will be invited to treat-or-treat at Marketplace shops.
The Monster Mash Dash is the first of three events included in the holiday-themed Saturn Super Series, which continues Dec. 13 with the Rudolph Run-Off in Dana Point and the Big Game Stampede on Super Bowl Sunday in January, starting at the Crazy Horse Steak House in Santa Ana.
In addition to individual age-group winners for each 5K race, cumulative results will be tallied, with overall age-group winners announced for all three races. Also, a top male and female runner will be named for each city in Orange County. All who participate in any of the three races will be entered in a drawing to win a Saturn automobile.
What: Monster Mash Dash 5K run and 2K walk/run.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, registration begins at 6 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m. and 2K at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Irvine Marketplace, Campus Drive and Stanford, Irvine.
Whereabouts: From the San Diego (I-405) Freeway, take Culver Drive south and turn right on Campus Drive. Irvine Marketplace will be on the right (across from UC Irvine).
Wherewithal: $18 registration in advance; $20 day of.
Where to call: (714) 661-6062.
