California Coast 500 presented by REI Summer Mileage Challenge Returns in Support of Eat. Learn. Play.

May 27, 2022

Registration is now open for participants to run, walk, bike or cross train their way up the iconic Highway 1 between Memorial Day, Monday, May 30 and Labor Day, Monday, September 5; Stephen & Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation official charity partner; training insights in collaboration with the Coaches of Color Initiative

San Francisco, Calif. (May 27, 2022) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Returning for its third year, Bay Area-based event production company Run Local^® is welcoming participants from around the world for another edition of the fan favorite California summer mileage challenge – the California Coast 500 presented by REI. From Memorial Day, May 30 to Labor Day, September 5, individuals can run, walk, bike or cross train their way to 100, 250, 400 and 500 miles in an interactive experience up the iconic Highway 1. Participants are also encouraged to support the event’s official charity partner, Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play., which works to ensure kids have access to the three vital pillars of a healthy childhood — nutrition, education, and physical activity.

New in 2022 includes the cycling category as well as the California Coast 500 Triple Crown, challenging participants to log 500 running or walking miles, 500 cycling miles and 5,000 cross training minutes (non-mileage based activities)! Also, in partnership with REI as well as Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, participants will have opportunities to win exciting prizes through weekly challenges.

“In 2022, while live events are back, it was important to us to continue to support our community through the summer months when many are training for fall races or just need that extra motivation to stay healthy when it’s hot outside,” commented brand President, Aaron Jacobsen. “This event also serves as an opportunity to bring awareness and raise funds to an incredible organization having a direct impact on children’s lives throughout the country, including those who do not have easy access to school meals during the summer.”

We are honored to again be partnering with Run Local and their incredible community of athletes,” said Chris Helfrich, CEO of Eat. Learn. Play. “The funds raised will be vital in helping us serve kids and families during the summer months and into the next school year. I’m committed to running another 500 miles this summer and have successfully recruited several other members of the Eat. Learn. Play. team to join me. Let’s go!

Run Local has also partnered with the Coaches of Color Initiative, which was co-founded by renowned coach & author, Matt Fitzgerald through his 80/20 Foundation as well as San Francisco Bay Area coach & Run Local ambassador Bertrand Newson. In 2022 they welcomed Coach Jessica Schnier as their first apprenticeship grantee to advance their careers in the industry who will serve as California Coast 500’s official coach and provide training insights throughout the summer.

Participants will get access to an exclusive summer mileage package that includes:

• Interactive journey up Highway 1, beginning at the Santa Monica Pier and concluding at the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Establish goals of 100 (1,000mins), 250 (2,500mins), 400 (4,000mins) or 500 miles (5,000mins) or unlock the Endless Summer option and go beyond 500 miles (5,000mins)
• Training insights from the Coaches of Color Initiative, Coach Jessica.
• Coast driftwood inspired medal, super soft event shirt and commemorative bib.
• Digital badges & weekly challenges to motivate all summer long with prizes from our partners.

To learn more about the California Coast 500 visit www.californiacoast500.com. Participants are also encouraged to share their story with #CALIFORNIACOAST500 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About Run Local^®
Since 2012, Run Local has brought locally produced events to the San Francisco Bay Area celebrating its runners, artists, and the unique diversity of each region. Its annual Series of events includes the San Jose Shamrock Run 5K & 10K (March), San Jose 8K & Half Marathon (April), Salomon Across the Bay 12K & 5K (July), the East Bay 5K & 10K (October) as well as the Santa Barbara Half & SB Independent 5K (November). For more information, visit RunLocalEvents.com and join us on social @RunLocalEvents. Hashtags: #californiacoast500 #runlocal

About Eat. Learn. Play.

Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation is an organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of every child, paving the way for amazing kids and opening doors to bright futures. Founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry in 2019, Eat. Learn. Play. launched with a focus on improving the lives of kids and families in Oakland, the Bay Area and across the country.

Rooted in three of the most vital pillars for a healthy childhood—nutrition, education, and physical activity—Eat. Learn. Play. is working to ensure that every child in Oakland has access to the nutritious food they need to be healthy and thrive; resources to learn and love to read; and safe places and equitable opportunities to play. The organization, which is anchored around the message that children are our future, is committed to developing partnerships and initiatives that make a positive impact for generations to come.

Stephen and Ayesha Curry cover all Eat. Learn. Play. operating costs so you can give knowing 100% of your donation support their key focus areas.

To learn more about Eat. Learn. Play., visit www.eatlearnplay.org