Runners Beat The Heat At 2024 Santa Monica Classic

September 9, 2024

So. Cal standouts Johnny Hogue and Elizabeth Ben-Ishai triumph at 19th edition of popular oceanfront road race

Santa Monica, CA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – With Southern California engulfed in a sweltering heat wave, the Santa Monica Classic went-off Sunday with necessary precautions. As hot and humid temperatures were forecast, the race starts were moved up to 7 a.m.  to avoid the warmest part of the day.

Originally set to feature both 5K and 10K races, the competition was streamlined, with both distances merging into a single 5K course and an unofficial 10K modified to two loops of the 5K route. The field of over 7,000 entrants, including past champions and first-time runners alike, embraced the changes Eliabeth Ben-Ishai, last year’s 10K winner, dropped down to the 5K on Sunday and won the women’s race in 17 minutes, 49 seconds. While some runners were disappointed the race didn’t feature the newly redesigned 10K course, Ben-Ishai gave organizers two thumbs up for the modifications.

“I understand,” said Ben-Ishai, who lives in Pasadena. “Safety first. You can still come out here and have a great day. I appreciated the hard decisions organizers had to make.”

Ingrid Walters of Santa Monica finished second in 18:50 with Andi Aguilar of Aliso Viejo taking third in 19:25.

On the men’s side, Johnny Hogue of Los Angeles seized victory in 15 minutes and 10 seconds. Originally from West Virginia, where humidity can be stifling, Hogue laughed about his newfound sensitivity to Southern California’s weather.

“It’s funny—two years in L.A. and suddenly I’m a baby about the humidity,” he joked after the race. “But honestly, it’s an incredible course. The ocean breeze, the crowd support—it was worth every step.”

Despite the adjustments, the race maintained its world-class reputation. Runners, volunteers, and spectators were met with misting stations, multiple water stops, and iced towels at the finish line.

Participants enjoyed postcard-worthy views of palm trees lined streets, the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Event weekend concluded with a kids race and new finish line festival location on the Third Street Promenade.

“It’s just a beautiful race, quintessential Southern California,” said Ben-Ishai. “Scenic views of the beach and always good competition against other runners. The fans line the course, cheering for you. Seeing the ocean is very inspiring and helps you push to the max.”

Hogue echoed her sentiments.

“I’m looking at the beach thinking, this is incredible. To be able to run along the beach, feel the breeze, see all the people along the coast. If you haven’t done this race, it’s a great one to come to,” he added. “I train with a friend who knew this would be a great race to come out to and show some fitness. I heard the crowd was great and it was. Definitely lived up to expectations. Everyone was so encouraging the whole way. You couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”

For complete results, photos and more, visit SantaMonicaClassic.com and follow @McCourtFoundation on social media.

ABOUT SANTA MONICA CLASSIC
The 19th annual Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS is operated by The McCourt Foundation (TMF). Established in 1992, TMF empowers communities to build a healthier world through research, education, and events. TMF’s mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world. TMF makes a difference by donating to neurology research, hosting educational forums, and using our events such as the Los Angeles Marathon, Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, Santa Monica Classic, Boston Waterfront 5K, and Tour de South Shore, as platforms to raise funds for over 95 nonprofit charity partners. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $6.3 million to neurology research and generated more than $72M for our over nonprofit charity partners.  Further information about the Santa Monica Classic presented by ASICS can be found online at santamonicaclassic.com.