Have you heard of the Coronado Rotary Club’s Low Tide Ride and Stride? If you haven’t, take note because this event is fast becoming one of the islands most popular yearly traditions. It’s coming up June 21, 2015 and you are invited to participate!
Back in 1998 the local Rotary Club was looking for a way to boost its charitable revenue. A race was suggested. It should be for bikers, runners and walkers somebody added. All ages should be welcomed another said. It should go along the beach at low tide; and with that everyone agreed. Phone calls were made to the Navy (most of the Club Members have a history with the Navy in one form or another), the City and the State. Word was spread around town and on that first race, in June of 1998, about 100 bikers, runners and walkers, most of them from the club itself, made their way down the beach for the first ever Low Tide Ride and Stride.
Now, 18 years later, the race has transformed into a truly unique, high quality local event. No doubt it’s had its bumps along the way. From 9/11 and the Navy closing 3 miles of the beach to the public, to last year’s faulty timing equipment, this little race has learned and overcome. Around 1000 participants now Run, Bike or Walk down the 8.2 mile beach course from Camp Surf in Imperial Beach to Coronado’s Sunset Park. With help of local and corporate sponsors, the race generated over $100,000 last year with our local Wounded Warriors being the main beneficiaries. In fact, the Military was so impressed that the race was awarded the San Diego Military Advisory Council’s Achievement Award for 2015.
This year is sure to be the best event ever. Having learned from last year’s misfortunes, a new microchip timing company has been hired for precise results. The medal categories have been expanded to cover 8 age categories for both bikers and runners and long sleeve dry-fit t-shirts will be given to each participant. Most importantly, as luck would have it, the lowest tide falls on Father’s Day, June 21st. As such the event has decided to start a new tradition with a post-race family affair. There will be a live band (Velvet Café), a kid’s carnival and several Father themed raffle prizes. As always, major proceeds will still benefit local Wounded Warrior causes.
Register today as Early Registration prices expire June 14th. You can register online by going to www.lowtiderideandstride.org or on your mobile phone by texting LTRS to 313131.
Need more motivation to sign up? Watch the “Summer Blockbuster” video below:
