Race to Benefit Youth Program for Safe Rides

A 5K and 10K race to benefit the South County Safe Rides program will be held June 13.

The race will start and finish at the Plaza De La Paz shopping center, at Pacific Park and Avila Road. All proceeds will support the program that offers free, confidential transportation on Friday and Saturday nights to teen-agers who have been drinking.

“Every step Safe Rides takes helps to bring us one step closer to a society free of alcohol-related accidents,” said Dr. Tom Shaver, head of the trauma unit at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center.

The ride program is also sponsored by Capistrano by the Sea Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, 10 South County high schools and other local medical centers.

Sign-up fees for the 5K and 10K run are $15 through June 10. After that date, registration will be $18. The 5K race will start at 7:30 a.m. and the 10K will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Participants will get a T-shirt and free merchandise from local shops. Massage therapy, live music and food will be available after the race.

The Safe Rides program is available on Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. by calling (714) 832-5483.

For information about the race, call (714) 831-8293. Race applications can be picked up at the T.J. Maxx clothing store in the Plaza De La Paz shopping center.