On Saturday, October 7, four thousand runners will take to the streets of Manhattan Beach for the 40th annual running of the Manhattan Beach 10K. As they wind their way around town, the runners will pass physical reminders of the many fitness-related contributions that the race has made back to the city through the decades.

From exercise stations to sports fields, the MB 10K has given more than $560,000 back to the community in those forty years, remaining faithful to the race founders' intent of creating an event that enhances and enriches the community.

"The MB10K is unique in that it is a true community event - It's run by an all-volunteer race committee, and it is the only 'Top 100' 10K in the country without a major corporate sponsor," said race director Rachel Judson.

Judson added that the race began - and remains - a partnership between the race committee and the City of Manhattan Beach. "The partnership makes keeping the race true to its original concept possible."

As a non-profit operation, the MB 10K sends all profits directly back to the community for fitness-related causes and scholarships. Entry fees over the years have helped fund:

• A Mira Costa track refurbishing
• An $11,000 exercise facility at the Manhattan Beach Middle School
• The climbing wall at Manhattan Heights Park
• The par courses at the Strand and 26th, at the Greenbelt near Manhattan Beach Blvd., and at Polliwog Park
• Strand mile markers
• A play structure at Polliwog Park
• Artificial turf at the AYSO field on Marine
• Yearly donations (in the thousands of dollars) to the Mira Costa High School Choir Boosters who provide traffic control and water station volunteers, as well as a performance of the National Anthem, during the race.

In recent years, the race has also started giving a minimum of four $1000 scholarships annually to Mira Costa High School seniors; last year the race awarded five.

All told, the race's contributions reach both young and old, across all corners of the town, every day of the week.

"This is our run, this is the Manhattan Beach race. We are proud to invite our own community, and to show off our community to other people," added Judson.

Earlier this week, the Manhattan Beach City Council presented the MB10K race committee with a certificate of recognition in honor of its 40th anniversary.

And with just two weeks to go until race day, race organizers are encouraging prospective runners to register now for this year's race, which is expected to sell out. Those who register by September 25 can lock in early-bird savings for the run ($30 for youth under 15; $35 for adults).

To volunteer to help, please contact [email protected].