Kook Run kicks off game day

By Staff ENCINITAS

Why

— This year’s Kook Run — a 5K and 10K with costume contest — is Sunday, Feb. 12, at 7 a.m. The Kook Run is a SoCal Super Bowl Sunday tradition, as thousands kick off the morning with a 5K/10K fun run and costumed race along the Pacific Coast.

The pro/elite race was the fastest 10K on the West Coast in 2022 and will include an international field, as well as top runners in Southern California. In 2023, all will be racing for a cash purse of $3,000.

Youngsters will get their own day to run at the Junior Kook Run on Feb. 11 with a course modified from 400 yards to 1 mile for ages 3 to 11 at the Ecke YMCA, during packet pickup, starting at 10:30 a.m.

The costume contest is one of the most entertaining aspects of the event. The contest awards the top three in these categories: football fan, group costume and individual kook.

Costume contest participants need to register/ check-in at the costume contest registration table between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. The costume award ceremony will immediately follow the 5K race.

Winners must be present to win.

Race registration is open — $55 for the 5K (3.1 miles), $75 for the 10K (6.2 miles) and $12 for the Junior Kook Run. Each participant receives a premium T-shirt and finisher’s medal. This year’s theme is “Alice in Wonderland.”

The course starts under the world-famous “Encinitas” sign on historic Coast Hwy 101. The scenic loop passes by the famous Cardiff Kook statue, rises above some of the most popular surf breaks in the world and heads down to

Cardiff State Beach. Water stations are provided throughout the course. Race day and costume contest registration opens at 6 a.m. Welcome and introductions take place at 7 a.m. The 10K race starts at 7:30 a.m., while the 5K and costume division race starts at 7:55 a.m. The awards ceremony is at 9:15 a.m. Advance packet and T-shirt pickup is at the Ecke YMCA, 200 Saxony Road, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 11. For more information, visit thekookrun.com.