Cabrillo National Monument Foundation will hold its first-ever Cabrillo Sunset 5K run-walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at the national park at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive.
The Cabrillo race route is challenging, descending on a paved road downhill about 200 feet to the tide pools offering a pristine ocean view for runners/walkers. The race then continues back up a steep incline. There will also be an alternative fun run/walk up to the lighthouse. Both events qualify for event T-shirts and medals. For registration information, visit http://www.active.com.
“It’s a day completely dedicated to health and getting out in the outdoors and experiencing our parks,” said Eileen Martinez, Cabrillo spokesperson.
The Cabrillo Sunset 5K is part of the National Park Service’s (NPS’s) centennial “Find Your Park Move to Improve Challenge.”
With its centennial approaching in 2016, the “Challenge” is part of NPS’s recently launched campaign to raise support and introduce a new, more-diverse generation of millennials and children to “America’s best idea,” the national parks.
Runners in the Cabrillo Sunset 5K will compete for first-place awards in both the men’s and women’s division, which guarantees them free admission into the America’s Finest City Half Marathon in August.
All participants will receive a numbered bib, an event T-shirt and an inaugural commemorative medal.  After the race, participants can chill, relaxing and enjoying a DJ and music and dance. This will truly be a “park after dark” experience. as the event is being held on the night of a full moon.
While the national parks counted 292 million visitors in 2014, those visitors tended to be older and whiter than the U.S. population overall.
First lady Michelle Obama and former first lady Laura Bush are co-chairing the Challenge campaign, which calls on Americans to “Find Your Park” to enjoy their public lands.
Sustaining the national parks and keeping them relevant to visitors for another 50 or 100 years is a growing challenge. Park officials have acknowledged that many park facilities date back 50 years or more and are in need of major repairs and upgrades.
All participants will receive a numbered bib, an event T-shirt and an inaugural commemorative medal.  After the race, participants can chill, relaxing and enjoying a DJ and music and dance. This will truly be a “park after dark” experience as the event is being held on the night of a full moon.