Welcome to SOAR's Coach / Charity Runner Info Page.
Scroll to the Latest Information Release for Important Updates.
4/3/22
Afternoon all! Please don't share this info with this year's student finishers. Sending a preview to this year's finishers hoodie. Style will be Hanes Print Pro 100% cotton pullover hoodie in Charcoal Heather. CLICK HERE for sizing and product specs. If interested, will need and text with sizing and $35 via Venmo or Zelle by Friday April 8th. Cheers! Kevin
Afternoon all! Please don't share this info with this year's student finishers. Sending a preview to this year's finishers hoodie. Style will be Hanes Print Pro 100% cotton pullover hoodie in Charcoal Heather. CLICK HERE for sizing and product specs. If interested, will need and text with sizing and $35 via Venmo or Zelle by Friday April 8th. Cheers! Kevin
12/29/21
Afternoon all! I hope this finds you well. SOAR's third Team Marathon benchmark, the Heartbreak Half Marathon (13.1 miles) is slated for Saturday January 22nd, 8am at Ventura Beach. This will be a 6.55 mi ocean front out and back north bound from Marina Park to Emma Woods State Beach along the Ocean Paseo. For those recovering from injury or family members looking to walk, this run also offers a nice 4 mile out and back from Marina Park to Ventura Pier. Participation is capped at 40 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $30 buy in gets you a cool Tech T, custom 8" full color acrylic finishers award shown below, supplies, post run grub, and a really fun run at the beach. : ) You guys have first option, but I need to order shirts and awards early next week so we're on a tight timeline. If on board, need a text confirmation by Sunday 1/2 and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Friday 1/14. Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after 1/2. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post event. Give me shout if questions. Tech and finishers award layout below, both pretty slick. : )
Cheers!
Kevin
Afternoon all! I hope this finds you well. SOAR's third Team Marathon benchmark, the Heartbreak Half Marathon (13.1 miles) is slated for Saturday January 22nd, 8am at Ventura Beach. This will be a 6.55 mi ocean front out and back north bound from Marina Park to Emma Woods State Beach along the Ocean Paseo. For those recovering from injury or family members looking to walk, this run also offers a nice 4 mile out and back from Marina Park to Ventura Pier. Participation is capped at 40 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $30 buy in gets you a cool Tech T, custom 8" full color acrylic finishers award shown below, supplies, post run grub, and a really fun run at the beach. : ) You guys have first option, but I need to order shirts and awards early next week so we're on a tight timeline. If on board, need a text confirmation by Sunday 1/2 and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Friday 1/14. Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after 1/2. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post event. Give me shout if questions. Tech and finishers award layout below, both pretty slick. : )
Cheers!
Kevin
8" Eclipse2 Acrylic Orange Sunburst Desktop Finishers Award - Full Color Imprint
Front Layout
Back Layout
Greenlayer E2 Full Poly Tech, Color: Chili Pepper - 3 Color Front / 3 Color Back with Sunburst Gradient
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12/1/21
Afternoon all! A few event updates and time sensitive items to share. December is always a busy month for SOAR leading up to the holiday break, so here ya go!
CLICK HERE to view SOAR's Interactive Google Calendar
About it for now. Feel free to reach out if you have questions on anything.
Cheers!
Kevin
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10/5/21
Afternoon all! Some great news to share! SOAR's first official team event, The 24th Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K slated for Halloween morning at UCLA is quickly approaching. This event is a SOAR tradition, and Coach Wayne has been able to work out preferred pricing for all SOAR charity runners at $30 flat for each registration! For those of you new to SOAR, unlike most events where we provide you with a discount code and you register on your own, the folks at LACC allow us to email one registration roster and pay for everyone with a single transaction. Participation priority is given to students, charity runners, and family members in that order, and your $30 buy in gets you a killer event T, custom finishers medal, and a very cool expo with lots of freebies including unlimited access to ye olde Krispy Kreme doughnut wall! CLICK HERE to learn more about the event. Soooooooo, if on board, I'll need a text confirmation by Wednesday October 6th, and $30 Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Thursday 10/7. Our final roster and payment will be sent to LACC first thing Friday morning. A final reminder, with exception of the marathon, particpation in any SOAR team event, inlcuding the LACC 5K is completely optional, but they're always a ton of fun and really help to push your training forward! Give me shout if questions or you have family members that may want to particpate.
Cheers!
Kevin
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2/22/21
Afternoon all!
With Mardi Gras now behind us, SOAR's 4 Corners Marathon is officially set for Saturday 3/27, and now only 5 weeks away. Things from this point forward are going to move very quickly! With that, I need to finalize our medal count, order uniform shirts, finishers techs, and finalize our food order. This event is capped at 50, and charity runners have first option on either full or half marathon distance, but I will open up to to outside participation beginning tomorrow, 2/23. CLICK HERE TO FINALIZE YOUR INTENT AND ORDER YOUR UNIFORM TECH AND FINISHERS TEE IF PARTICPATING. Please note: DUE TO ORDERING CONTRAINTS A NO REPLY BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT ASSUMES YOU ARE OPTING OUT. Questions? Let me know! Thanks!
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Afternoon all! A few event updates and time sensitive items to share. December is always a busy month for SOAR leading up to the holiday break, so here ya go!
- I need to send our pre-paid charity entry fees to LA so they can issue comp codes and you guys can start signing up for March's event. For this item, I will need everyone's entry fee via Venmo or Zelle by December 15th. The registration fee for the Marathon is $170 and the Half is $135. Venmo is always preferred.
- SOAR's 2022 - 50/50 ticket fundraiser ends this week. I will need all tickets and proceeds by Thursday afternoon, December 2nd please, due to the time it takes time to count and tally everything. The drawing will take place live after practice this Saturday morning, December 4th. The winning ticket is always drawn by the student whose birthday is next on the calendar after the date of drawing. By my reckoning, this year's official ticket puller will be Mia. Sat's run will be the Team's longest effort yet at 8.5 miles and weather looks to hold so should be really fun morning, and a great shot of confidence for the kids. : )
- SOAR's next official team qualifying benchmark will be the Santa to the Sea 10K + Sunday December 12th in Ventura. If you're still considering joining SOAR for this event the team's promo code 'teamsoar4stts30' is available for 30% off to this season's charity runners, student families, and immediate family members only. This code should not be posted on any social media site. Link to join our team: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-1000436?raceId=43577
- If you ordered this year's holiday gift, either a jacket or beanie, will need to pickup your payment by December 15th if you haven't already paid for those items. SOAR is paying $60 for the jackets and $25 for the beanies. Charity runners and coaches were offered both items at a discounted rate $40/$15 respectively. Venmo or Zelle best as well. As is tradition, we'll give the kids their holiday gift post Jingle Bell 10 Miler and Holiday Breakfast which brings us to ....................
- SOAR's 15th Annual Jingle Bell 10 Miler and Holiday Breakfast is 'sleigh'-ted for Saturday December 18th from 7a-noonish in Encino. This is always one of my favs with the effort consisting of two loops around the Lake Balboa basin donning jingle bells (super obnoxious! Hahh!!). There is no cost to particpate and the run itself is open to friends and family members. Due to the size of our group, however, the post run breakfast is only offered to the kids, charity runners, and coaches. If you would like to join us for breakfast, I will need finalize our reservation by Friday December 5th so will need a committment by this Friday, and $20 to cover your breakfast via either Venmo or Zelle by Friday, December 10th. As always, SOAR pays for the kids.
- Final item, we shift to morning training weekdays while the kids are on holiday break. Please refer to the following links if needing information regarding times, location, or distance planned. Any changes to the December's training plan will be communicated via text in real time and updated to SOAR's Interactive Google Calendar ONLY.
CLICK HERE to view SOAR's Interactive Google Calendar
About it for now. Feel free to reach out if you have questions on anything.
Cheers!
Kevin
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10/5/21
Afternoon all! Some great news to share! SOAR's first official team event, The 24th Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K slated for Halloween morning at UCLA is quickly approaching. This event is a SOAR tradition, and Coach Wayne has been able to work out preferred pricing for all SOAR charity runners at $30 flat for each registration! For those of you new to SOAR, unlike most events where we provide you with a discount code and you register on your own, the folks at LACC allow us to email one registration roster and pay for everyone with a single transaction. Participation priority is given to students, charity runners, and family members in that order, and your $30 buy in gets you a killer event T, custom finishers medal, and a very cool expo with lots of freebies including unlimited access to ye olde Krispy Kreme doughnut wall! CLICK HERE to learn more about the event. Soooooooo, if on board, I'll need a text confirmation by Wednesday October 6th, and $30 Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Thursday 10/7. Our final roster and payment will be sent to LACC first thing Friday morning. A final reminder, with exception of the marathon, particpation in any SOAR team event, inlcuding the LACC 5K is completely optional, but they're always a ton of fun and really help to push your training forward! Give me shout if questions or you have family members that may want to particpate.
Cheers!
Kevin
***********END***********
2/22/21
Afternoon all!
With Mardi Gras now behind us, SOAR's 4 Corners Marathon is officially set for Saturday 3/27, and now only 5 weeks away. Things from this point forward are going to move very quickly! With that, I need to finalize our medal count, order uniform shirts, finishers techs, and finalize our food order. This event is capped at 50, and charity runners have first option on either full or half marathon distance, but I will open up to to outside participation beginning tomorrow, 2/23. CLICK HERE TO FINALIZE YOUR INTENT AND ORDER YOUR UNIFORM TECH AND FINISHERS TEE IF PARTICPATING. Please note: DUE TO ORDERING CONTRAINTS A NO REPLY BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT ASSUMES YOU ARE OPTING OUT. Questions? Let me know! Thanks!
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12/23/20
Morning all!
*****IMPORTANT***** news to share with regard to SOAR's 11th Annual Mardi Gras Madness 5K/10K slated for 2/21/21. Despite the development and submission of a comprehensive COVID safety plan, we've been informed by the City that, due to current public health restrictions, no Special Event permit requests are being processed at this time. Since MGM represents a signficant portion of SOAR's annual fundraising revenue, this latest development forces us to take our event to the virtual realm. We intend to notify the general public on 12/29, but since many of you use MGM to build teams in support of your charity fundraising comittment to SOAR, I felt it important to give you all a heads up first. Most notable change is the decision to reduce or traditional registration cap from 700 to 300 particpants (currently we have 160 folks signed up) in order to ensure a continuum and manage costs. At this time, there are no plans to extend this cap even if we sellout early. Please note the following changes and let me know if any questions:
Lastly, given SOAR's reputation along with MGM's long established tradition as a premier event and community favorite with a 70% return rate, I have no doubt we'll sellout quickly once we release this information to the public 12/29, especially with the 300 participant entry cap, so giving y'all first option on grabbing the 130 or so remaining slots. A reminder that your registration fee, along with the registration fees for anyone that joins your team, including K9 entry, counts toward your fundraising committment with SOAR.
Next steps:
Questions? Let me know! Happy holidays to all!!
Kevin
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12/9/20
Afternoon all!
With new restrictions in place impacting LA County dining options and continued carpooling and exposure concerns, we'll need to pivot on this year's traditional Jingle Bell 10 Miler and Holiday Breakfast in Encino and move the whole shebang to SC. The morning will be dialed back this year to give everyone a break before the holidays and re-branded 'The SOAR Jingle Jam 10K' with plans to run the team on SOAR's annual Mardi Gras Madness 10K course Saturday, December 19th, 6am in the lower lot behind the old Sears building at Valencia Town Center. Participation is capped at 50 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $20 bucks scores you the usual runner support (gels, g-ade, snacks, breakfast bars, fruit) along with all the traditional Jingle Bell Run pre game fixins' (hot chocolate, coffee, sweets, and yes, Coach's famous potatoes, pre-bagged and served with or without my equally famous chimichurri sauce - hooray!), jingle bells, custom finishers medal (shown below), and post run grub provided by Wolf Creek Brewery and Restaurant - that's some goooood eats! Each student will receive a holiday gift from SOAR before winding down as is tradition. You guys have first option on participation, and I've got about 20 slots left. If on board, need a text confirmation and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Sunday 12/13 along with your breakfast order (CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR BREAKFAST ITEM). Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after 12/13. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post event. Give me shout if questions. Finishers medal layout below, turned out pretty cool considering we had to really hustle on design after the latest closure orders were announced.
Cheers!
Kevin
Morning all!
*****IMPORTANT***** news to share with regard to SOAR's 11th Annual Mardi Gras Madness 5K/10K slated for 2/21/21. Despite the development and submission of a comprehensive COVID safety plan, we've been informed by the City that, due to current public health restrictions, no Special Event permit requests are being processed at this time. Since MGM represents a signficant portion of SOAR's annual fundraising revenue, this latest development forces us to take our event to the virtual realm. We intend to notify the general public on 12/29, but since many of you use MGM to build teams in support of your charity fundraising comittment to SOAR, I felt it important to give you all a heads up first. Most notable change is the decision to reduce or traditional registration cap from 700 to 300 particpants (currently we have 160 folks signed up) in order to ensure a continuum and manage costs. At this time, there are no plans to extend this cap even if we sellout early. Please note the following changes and let me know if any questions:
- Transition reg platform to virtual only option by 12/29
- Packet pickup Fri – Sun option at Runners Lane with mail option for non-pickups
- Non certified event
- Race window – Sat 12am- Sun 8pm PST, Feb 20-21
- 300 person cap
- Open to anybody, anywhere on the planet.
- In person packet pickup with US / International mailer options at no extra cost
- Emphasis on sign ups from within SOAR – SOAR kids (first time ever!), families, alumni, charity runners and their friends and families, community partners with promo offers
- Larger medal - 3.5" full marathon quality / same quality Tshirt
- Sealed goody bag with 5-10 tangible items / medal / Tshirt / and Golden Ticket with QR access code to prize drawings and special offers
- Custom full color bib – no timing chip
- Legacy / loyalty award for returning participants
- No place awards. No overall awards.
- Top 3 team awards / best costume / best K9 award only
- Live photo submission
- Live text submission and finisher results via the RunSignUp platform
Lastly, given SOAR's reputation along with MGM's long established tradition as a premier event and community favorite with a 70% return rate, I have no doubt we'll sellout quickly once we release this information to the public 12/29, especially with the 300 participant entry cap, so giving y'all first option on grabbing the 130 or so remaining slots. A reminder that your registration fee, along with the registration fees for anyone that joins your team, including K9 entry, counts toward your fundraising committment with SOAR.
Next steps:
- Sign up and create a team HERE
- Recruit folks to join your team from anywhere in the world. : )
Questions? Let me know! Happy holidays to all!!
Kevin
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12/9/20
Afternoon all!
With new restrictions in place impacting LA County dining options and continued carpooling and exposure concerns, we'll need to pivot on this year's traditional Jingle Bell 10 Miler and Holiday Breakfast in Encino and move the whole shebang to SC. The morning will be dialed back this year to give everyone a break before the holidays and re-branded 'The SOAR Jingle Jam 10K' with plans to run the team on SOAR's annual Mardi Gras Madness 10K course Saturday, December 19th, 6am in the lower lot behind the old Sears building at Valencia Town Center. Participation is capped at 50 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $20 bucks scores you the usual runner support (gels, g-ade, snacks, breakfast bars, fruit) along with all the traditional Jingle Bell Run pre game fixins' (hot chocolate, coffee, sweets, and yes, Coach's famous potatoes, pre-bagged and served with or without my equally famous chimichurri sauce - hooray!), jingle bells, custom finishers medal (shown below), and post run grub provided by Wolf Creek Brewery and Restaurant - that's some goooood eats! Each student will receive a holiday gift from SOAR before winding down as is tradition. You guys have first option on participation, and I've got about 20 slots left. If on board, need a text confirmation and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Sunday 12/13 along with your breakfast order (CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR BREAKFAST ITEM). Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after 12/13. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post event. Give me shout if questions. Finishers medal layout below, turned out pretty cool considering we had to really hustle on design after the latest closure orders were announced.
Cheers!
Kevin
8" Eclipse2 Acrylic Red Finishers Award - Full Color Imprint
Black Nickel 3" Excel Custom Insert Medal Red
SOAR Jingle Jam 10K 2020 Custom Insert
Halo Red Ribbon
SOAR Jingle Jam 10K 2020 Custom Insert
Halo Red Ribbon
11/5/20
Morning all! I hope this finds you well. SOAR's second Quaranteam Challenge benchmark, the Reindeer Ruckus 15K (9.3 Miles) is slated for Saturday December 5th, 6am at Iron Horse. Participation is capped at 50 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $30 buy in gets you a cool Tech T, custom finishers medal. and CA Bakery breakfast sandwich post run. You guys have first option, and I've got about 20 slots left. If on board, need a text confirmation by Friday 11/6 and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Sunday 11/15 along with your marathon payment. Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after that date. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post event. Give me shout if questions. Tech and finishers medal layout below, both pretty slick if I do say so myself. : )
Cheers!
Kevin
Morning all! I hope this finds you well. SOAR's second Quaranteam Challenge benchmark, the Reindeer Ruckus 15K (9.3 Miles) is slated for Saturday December 5th, 6am at Iron Horse. Participation is capped at 50 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $30 buy in gets you a cool Tech T, custom finishers medal. and CA Bakery breakfast sandwich post run. You guys have first option, and I've got about 20 slots left. If on board, need a text confirmation by Friday 11/6 and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Sunday 11/15 along with your marathon payment. Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after that date. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post event. Give me shout if questions. Tech and finishers medal layout below, both pretty slick if I do say so myself. : )
Cheers!
Kevin
10/14/20
Morning all! I hope this finds you well. SOAR's first Quaranteam Challenge benchmark, the Goblin Grind 5 Miler is slated for Halloween morning, 6am at Iron Horse. Participation is capped at 50 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $30 buy in gets you a cool Tech T, glow in the dark custom finishers medal. and breakfast BOOrito post run. You guys have first option, and I've got about 20 slots left. If on board, need a text confirmation and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Sunday 10/18. Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after that date. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post Halloween. Give me shout if questions. Tech and finishers medal layout below, both turned out pretty cool. : )
Cheers!
Kevin
Morning all! I hope this finds you well. SOAR's first Quaranteam Challenge benchmark, the Goblin Grind 5 Miler is slated for Halloween morning, 6am at Iron Horse. Participation is capped at 50 with priority given to students, charity runners, family members, and Runners Lane members in that order. $30 buy in gets you a cool Tech T, glow in the dark custom finishers medal. and breakfast BOOrito post run. You guys have first option, and I've got about 20 slots left. If on board, need a text confirmation and $$$ Via Zelle to my cell or Venmo to @SOAR-SC by Sunday 10/18. Will open any remaining slots to family and RL after that date. If you choose to participate and do the run virtually, will mail your swag to you post Halloween. Give me shout if questions. Tech and finishers medal layout below, both turned out pretty cool. : )
Cheers!
Kevin
9/17/20
Great seeing everyone last night!
Below you'll find information relevant to yesterday's coaches / charity runner briefing along with a link to this season's charity agreement. In the interest of team safety and challenge series production timelines, I'll need everyone's charity agreement completed by Sunday 9/30. As noted, once the team begins training, participation in any training session or unique SOAR event will be restricted to SOAR participants and their immediate family members only, with exception of community partners certified as COVID Free.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, cell is always best at 661-877-7024.
My eternal thanks to you all for your continued dedication to SOAR's mission! Your support is truly life changing!
Kevin
Great seeing everyone last night!
Below you'll find information relevant to yesterday's coaches / charity runner briefing along with a link to this season's charity agreement. In the interest of team safety and challenge series production timelines, I'll need everyone's charity agreement completed by Sunday 9/30. As noted, once the team begins training, participation in any training session or unique SOAR event will be restricted to SOAR participants and their immediate family members only, with exception of community partners certified as COVID Free.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, cell is always best at 661-877-7024.
My eternal thanks to you all for your continued dedication to SOAR's mission! Your support is truly life changing!
Kevin
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11/10/19
Good morning everyone. The following contains important updates and event discount code information for the remainder of this training season. Please feel free to contact me with questions if needed.
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10/22/19
Pasadena Half Marathon Update!! Important!!
Afternoon everyone. This morning I was set to begin the registration process and establish SOAR as a Team presence for the Pasadena Half Marathon (Sunday, January 19th) using the $10 promo code they had set up for us. After signing on, I quickly realized that the registration price had gone up from $90 to $130 per registration since I originally spoke with them in July. That's quite a jump and puts us at $3,120 for the kids' reg alone. That said, I'm OK with the unforeseen increase since I've already set this race as a 2020 SOAR event, but for those of you that are new to the game, that's a lot of coin for a half marathon. I'm concerned that the high cost will have many of our charity runners opting out so wanted to get your feedback. The Irvine Half is set for the Saturday prior on January 11th and I've negotiated a 20% off promo (puts us about $80 per reg) and could be an option, or open to other events in the half marathon range if around mid -late January if you have any suggestions. Please text your thoughts. Thanks!!
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9/29/19 Important Team Updates
Welcome to SOAR 2020!
As always, my eternal thanks to you all for your efforts and continued support! Let's rock and roll!
*** END
Good morning everyone. The following contains important updates and event discount code information for the remainder of this training season. Please feel free to contact me with questions if needed.
- SOAR will be dropping the Pasadena Half Marathon due to it's high cost, and instead picking up two alternate events offering better discount opportunities for the team. Our two new events this season will be the Irvine Half Marathon, Saturday January 11th 2020 in Irvine, and the Hollywood Trail 12K, Sunday February 9th at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. A reminder that all Team 2020 qualifying events, with exception of the LA Marathon, are OPTIONAL for Assistant Coaches and Charity Runners.
- The following discount offers are extended to SOAR Coaches and Charity Runners only. Please note registration deadlines and contact Kevin directly if any questions.
- SOAR Team Shoe Event
Location : Road Runner Sports, Studio City
Date: Sunday, December 1st 2019
Discount Information: 20% off shoes and all in store items on the day of the event. This offer is extended to friends and family members as well.
Notes: Charity runners and coaches will be given early access for purchases, 12-2p. The kids portion of the event is from 2-4p. There is a great little cafe next door to RRS called The Counter if you want to grab some grub pre-event. Sandra and I will be there around 1pm. - Santa Monica / Venice Christmas 10K
Location : Santa Monica
Date: Saturday, December 7th 2019
Discount Code: SOAR19
Notes: Join Team SOAR during the registration process. Promo code saves $15 good through December 5th.
Registration Link : CLICK HERE
- SOAR Jingle Bell Run 10 Miler and Coaches Breakfast
Location : Lake Balboa, Encino
Date: Saturday, December 14th 2019
Discount Code: Free Participation for Charity Runners and Coaches
Notes: Post run Team breakfast at Millie's Restaurant, corner of Vanowen and Balboa after the run. Free for the kids. $20 donation for coaches and charity runners that would like to join us. Due to the size of our group, our post run breakfast is offered to the team only. Please text me if you'd like to participate in this event.
- Irvine Half Marathon
Location : City of Irvine
Date: Saturday, January 11th 2020
Discount Code: SOAR20
Notes: Join Team SOAR during the registration process. Promo code saves 20% through the close of registration.
Registration Link : CLICK HERE
- Surf City Half Marathon
Location : Huntington Beach
Date: Sunday, February 2nd 2020
Discount Code: 2020SOAR10
Notes: SOAR is participating in the Surf City Half Marathon as an Official Charity Partner for 2020. Join Team SOAR during the registration process. Promo code saves $10 through the close of registration. Our contact also states that they will provide coaches bibs to any SOAR charity runner or coach that would like to run the Surf City Half race free of charge. Please note, if you decide to pursue this option you do not need to register for the race, but will be asked to sign a waiver by the event promoters. Participants wearing coaches bibs do not receive a finish time or finishers medal. Please let me know if you intend to pursue this option.
Registration Link : CLICK HERE
- Mt Hollywood Trail 12K
Location : Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Date: Sunday, February 9th 2020
Discount Code: SOAR2020
Notes: Join Team SOAR during the registration process. (Please note, I will not be creating our team for this event until the end of November). Promo code saves 12% and drops your reg fee to $41 through the close of registration. $35 Venmo'd to SOAR by 12/31 will save and additional $5 and I will register you with the team.
Registration Link : CLICK HERE - SOAR's 20 Miler and Team Taco Fiesta
Location : Santa Clarita
Date: Saturday, February 15th 2020
Discount Code: Free Participation for Charity Runners and Coaches includes custom finishers medal.
Notes: Post run Team Taco Fiesta location TBD. Free for the kids plus 2 guests. $20 donation for coaches and charity runners that would like to join us for lunch. Please text me if you'd like to participate in this event.
- SOAR's 10th Annual Mardi Gras Madness 5K/10K
Location : Valencia Town Center, Valencia
Date: Sunday, February 23rd 2020
Discount Code: CHARITY10
Notes: Promo code saves $10 off all registration entry. This code is intended for coaches, charity runners, family members and their friends in support of your $700 charity fundraising requirement. Please create your own team as Team Captain when registering and invite participants to join your team so that I can track your fundraising efforts. All registration fees and donations generated in support of your team will be credited toward your charity fundraising goal for 2020. Please contact me if you have questions.
Registration Link : CLICK HERE
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10/22/19
Pasadena Half Marathon Update!! Important!!
Afternoon everyone. This morning I was set to begin the registration process and establish SOAR as a Team presence for the Pasadena Half Marathon (Sunday, January 19th) using the $10 promo code they had set up for us. After signing on, I quickly realized that the registration price had gone up from $90 to $130 per registration since I originally spoke with them in July. That's quite a jump and puts us at $3,120 for the kids' reg alone. That said, I'm OK with the unforeseen increase since I've already set this race as a 2020 SOAR event, but for those of you that are new to the game, that's a lot of coin for a half marathon. I'm concerned that the high cost will have many of our charity runners opting out so wanted to get your feedback. The Irvine Half is set for the Saturday prior on January 11th and I've negotiated a 20% off promo (puts us about $80 per reg) and could be an option, or open to other events in the half marathon range if around mid -late January if you have any suggestions. Please text your thoughts. Thanks!!
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9/29/19 Important Team Updates
Welcome to SOAR 2020!
- WOW! What an amazing week! Great turnout at tryouts and the 27 students offered a training slot have all accepted, matched with 27 charity runners so the team is currently at 54. The largest ever in SOAR's 13 year history! Beginning this year, we'll be paring each coach / charity runner with a student participant as their personal sponsor first week of November. Your fundraising efforts will directly support your student's training experience, making for a more personal connection in your fundraising efforts. If you'd like to choose a student to support, please let me know by 10/31. SOAR's 2020 student roster can be viewed here.
- Last call for LACC participation if interested. If you'd like to run with the team, will need cash, check, or Venmo to SOAR-SC for $35 by Tuesday October 1st, 5pm. Bandit running is NEVER supported by SOAR. It is a dishonor to distance running and disrespectful to the charitable organization benefiting from the event. SOAR's Mardi Gras Madness event costs more than $15,000 to produce. We appreciate you consideration in this.
- Last call for uniform sample sizing. Final order will be submitted Tuesday evening. I will have samples Tues afternoon for those still wishing to try for sizing if needed.
- The first 3 weeks of training we'll be focusing on the fundamentals of distance running. In support of safety, communication and social interaction, music players and headphones WILL NOT BE ALLOWED until after the LACC 5K. We appreciate your cooperation on this.
- Training topics weeks 1-3
- Double Goal Coaching and ELM philosophy in pursuit of long distance running mastery.
- Running posture, and turnover tactics using the Galloway approach.
- Pacing philosophy using the Hanson Marathon Method. This pacing method will tie directly to each participant's personal pacing guide and updated monthly.
- Basic physiology and threshold awareness in distance running.
- The importance of nutrition, hydration, and rest in support of safe marathon training. - Pacing takes center stage in this year's training program. SOAR participants not owning a fitness watch will be encouraged to download Under Armor's free Endomondo app in order to gain real time awareness of their personal pace. To add another fun element, I've created a team challenge in Endomondo that any SOAR student, coach, or charity runner can join to track their season progress. Download the app HERE and search 'SOAR Team 2020' under the 'challenge' menu option to join the challenge.
- Last item, we're introducing student captains this year. Offered to 3rd year SOAR students only, acceptance is optional and adds another layer of support to our coaching team. Captains role model positive training habits, lend guidance to younger students, and will lead group challenges (also a new element this year). Nadia Diaz and Alex Mendoza have both accepted as Team Captains this season.
- Lots of changes in support of three team goals this season. 1) More social interaction and team focus. 2) Zero injuries. 3) Team marathon completion in under 6 hours.
As always, my eternal thanks to you all for your efforts and continued support! Let's rock and roll!
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9/23/19 LA Cancer Challenge 5K - 9/30/19 Deadline
- Afternoon all! SOAR has been able to negotiate a $35 flat reg fee for the Team's first season qualifier the LA Cancer Challenge 5K set for Sunday, October 20th at UCLA.
- Participation is optional but a really fun start to your training season!
- If you'd like to run with the team, will need cash, check, or Venmo to SOAR-SC for $35 by Monday September 30th.
- Team Roster along with master check will be sent to LACC later that week.
- Nothing more is needed besides payment. LACC race admin will register all runners using our team roster.
9/18/19 Charity Agreements and Fundraising Page Set Up - 9/30/19 Deadline
- A reminder that all coaches and charity runners are required to submit a charity agreement and create their own charity fundraising page by Monday 9/30/19 using the Team 2020 Mightycause platform. A tablet, laptop, or PC is recommended.
- CLICK HERE for detailed instructions.
- We're ready to Rock n Roll!!
8/28/19 Surf City Labor Day Sale and Coaches Bib Participation
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- Surf City is running a 50% off registration promo beginning 8/29 and ending at 11pm Monday September 2nd. Our contact states there is no promo code. The discount is set to automatically apply during checkout. Please be sure to select SOAR for your team participation process so that your registration is routed to our team roster for packet pickup.
- Our contact also states that they will provide coaches bibs to any SOAR charity runner or coach that would like to run the Surf City Half race free of charge. Please note, if you decide to pursue this option you do not need to register for the race, but will be asked to sign a waiver by the event promoters. Participants wearing coaches bibs do not receive a finish time or finishers medal.
- Call or text Kevin with questions or concerns.
- Event registration can be accessed HERE.
- Thanks again for all you do for SOAR! You are AMAZING!
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Students Off And Running (SOAR) is a division of the Santa Clarita Track Club, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible according to Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax ID # 77-0615715 . Santa Clarita Track Club, Inc, 27900 Youngberry Dr, Santa Clarita, CA 91350-1756. Located in the Santa Clarita Valley, programs include: Youth Track and Field, Youth Cross Country, and Students Off And Running (SOAR). The organization name Students Off And Running, the acronym SOAR in affiliation with Students Off And Running , and all SOAR logos in affiliation with Students Off And Running are trademark protected, all rights reserved. Inquires - please contact SOAR Program Director / Head Coach Kevin Sarkissian 661.877.7024. Email [email protected]. Last Update 7/19.