Santa Monica 5000 Races Return Oct. 7

Runners will have the chance to help young athletes at the seventh annual Santa Monica 5000, a morning of short-distance runs and walks that benefit sports teams at the .

The events are scheduled for the morning of Oct. 7 on a scenic course that starts next to the beach at Ocean Park Boulevard and ends at the.

The Santa Monica 5000 includes 5K and 10K runs and walks, a 3K dash for kids and a stroller stride for parents, pushing newborns and toddlers in strollers. Races start at 7:30 a.m.

Free live music from student musicians and fitness demonstrations will take place throughout the morning, along with children's activities.

In 2011, the event raised more than $47,000 for local athletic programs. This year, the goal is $75,000, organizers said.

The Education Foundation will receive a percentage of entry fees and revenue from sponsorships, while the majority of proceeds will benefit teams facing funding shortfalls. To bolster fundraising, each school athletic team has created websites for donors to make direct contributions.

"I cannot underestimate the impact that the SM 5000 has had on our program. We have been underfunded for so long, but the SM 5000 has allowed us to earn the funds to provide the quality of program [our students] deserve,” said water polo and swim coach Matthew Flanders.

For more information to register for races online, visit santamonica5000.com. Otherwise, call (310) 821-7898. To donate to an SMMUSD sports team or P.E. department, visit imathlete.com/donate/santamonica5000.