Arts & Entertainment

'Course of the Force' Race Returns to Santa Monica Pier

Star Wars enthusiasts get the chance to dress up and run to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Don't be surprised to see ewoks, storm troopers and other Star Wars characters on the streets of Santa Monica later this week. 

The "Course of the Force" kicks off at the Skywalker Ranch in Northern California, winding its way down the coast and ending at San Diego's Comic Con July 9 to 16. 

The Olympic-style relay race will come to the Los Angeles area Friday, July 12 starting in Pacific Palisades and stopping for the day at the Santa Monica Pier. On Saturday, the relay day will take off from the Santa Monica Pier and end in Huntington Beach.

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Instead of an Olympic torch, the official Course of the Force light saber will be passed on to runners at each quarter-mile mark. Event organizers plan to release official start times at a later date on the official website. 

Because of last year’s success, StarWars.Com reports this year’s race will cover about 500 miles.  Last year’s partnerships with MAW Foundation chapters throughout the state made more than 1,000 wishes possible. 

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The $150 registration fee will be donated entirely to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and comes with a customized light saber and personalized bag. Registration for the Santa Monica to Huntington Beach relay day is available online. On site registration is not available. Participants are also encouraged to fund raise by creating an account with stayclassy.org


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