Aug. 9, 2011
Aztec Invitational Information | Community 5K Information
SAN DIEGO - The 67th annual Aztec Cross Country Invitational is set for Saturday, Sept. 17, at historic Balboa Park. The first of five races is set to start at 8 a.m. PT.
The Women's Open 5K starts things off at 8 a.m., and will be followed by the 8:30 a.m. Women's Invitational (5K). The Men's Invite, which is an 8K, will get underway at 9 a.m., with the Men's Open (8K) to follow at 9:30 a.m.
After a three year hiatus, SDSU is bringing back the Community 5K race as a part of the Aztec Cross Country Invitational. The Community race is open to runners of all abilities, ages and genders. The race recognizes the growing distance running community in San Diego by providing an opportunity for participants to run on the same challenging cross country course competed at the college level for over half a century. The event also celebrates the SDSU's close ties to the local community and shared values of health and fitness.
"San Diego State wants to participate in providing a venue for the San Diego distance community and encourage runners of all ages to come out and enjoy a Saturday run with us," Aztec head coach Shelia Burrell said. "The collegiate section will give some of the younger runners an opportunity to see high-level competition and athletes. This will be inspiring for many of the youth who participate. As the head coach I want to share the rich tradition of the 67th Aztec Invitational with everyone."
The Community Race will feature professional electronic timing, certified officials, and is completing the USA Track and Field sanctioning process. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in 13 age groups. Participants will also receive commemorative t-shirts.
The entry fee $25 by mail-in check, $27.50 if paid online and $30 on race Day. All proceeds will benefit San Diego State women's cross country and track and field programs. Registration information can be found at: http://finishedresults.com/content/67th-annual-aztec-xc-invitational. For further information, please contact Rick Reaser (310-227-5534 or rick-reaser@msn.com), who is the meet director for the Community Race.
"This is fantastic opportunity to compete on a historic cross country course that many future Olympians have and will run on," Reaser said. "Distance greats like Monica Joyce (SDSU, 1982; 1984 Olympics, Los Angeles), Lynn Kanuka (SDSU, 1982; 1984 Olympics, Los Angeles; 1988 Olympics, Seoul) and Shannon Rowbury (Duke, 2005; 2008 Olympics, Beijing) have all run this course."
Balboa Park is located at Quince Dr., and Balboa Dr., in San Diego.