Memorial Day Run To Close City Streets

The 14th annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, which will honor the U.S. Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion, is expecting about 3,000 participants on Monday.

The 5K and 10K will run through Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo Laguna Woods and Laguna Niguel.

With the marathon impacting several streets in Aliso Viejo, residents who wish to cross Alicia Parkway when travelling south of Pacific Park Drive, Moulton Parkway or Aliso Creek Road may use the 73 Toll Road for free from 7 to 9 a.m. when entering at the Aliso Creek south entrance, according to a City of Aliso Viejo release. (For more information on road closures click here or see the image on the right.)

The marathon began as a fundraising event for Saddleback Memorial Hospital, but was taken over by the City of Laguna Hills four years ago, said Race Director Jonathan Pauley.

“This is a great community event. Half marathons have become very expensive over the last few years,” Pauley said adding that many registration fees reach $125 per person. “The city has been very keen on keeping entry fees reasonable so people can join.”

Runners and walkers from all experience levels are welcomed to join the half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles), 10K Run/Walk (6.2 miles) and kid’s run (.5 mile).

Registration fees are:

• 5K - $33
• 10K - $38
• Half marathon - $68
• Kid’s run - $20

The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division, nicknamed "Dark Horse", is based out of Camp Pendleton and will receive $3 per race participant from the City of Laguna Hills.

Registration begins Monday at 5:30 a.m. All participants must register by 6:45 a.m. with the run beginning at 7 a.m.

Finisher medals will be given to all Half Marathon participants.

For more information about Monday’s Memorial Day marathon or to register visit lagunahillshalfmarathon.com.