The Del Mar Foundation’s Red Nose Run returns to Del Mar Beach on Dec. 5, raising money for two San Diego-based nonprofits. The family- and dog-friendly event is in its 34th year, with a 1 p.m. start next to Poseidon Restaurant, and includes a fun run and walk, according to event materials.
A news release cited by the San Diego Union-Tribune says this year’s beneficiaries are Semper Fi & America's Fund and the San Dieguito River Park. The event typically offers 3K and 5K distances, but organizers say beach conditions may require changes, according to the registration site.
Event materials say adult registration includes a commemorative T-shirt, limited-edition trucker hat and reusable event-logo cup; youth registration includes the hat and cup but not the shirt. After the run, attendees can find a buffet featuring food from Poseidon Restaurant, sweets from Saffron & Rose and live music from Dos Echos. Viewpoint Brewing is providing a beer garden, open only to guests 21 and older with valid photo ID, according to the release.
Costume Contests and a Dog Fashion Show
Costume contests are planned for adults, youth and groups, as well as for dogs; participating dogs must be leashed, according to the release. A dog fashion show is scheduled before the race.
The release also lists a kids’ passport activity, which includes an exclusive “Santa I've Been Good!” LED pin, and a “Single and Ready to Jingle” matchmaking activity for adults, with a special LED badge. Awards will go to the fastest male and female finishers in both adult and youth categories.
A Three-Decade Charity Tradition
The Red Nose Run says it has been organized entirely by volunteers since 1992. The event’s website identifies it as a 501(c)(3) public charity and says it has raised more than $455,000 for its charities. Semper Fi & America's Fund’s events page lists the Red Nose Run as an annual fundraiser in its 34th year.
A past fundraiser’s impact was reported by the Del Mar Sandpiper: each of the two beneficiary organizations received $13,000, and Semper Fi & America's Fund received another $13,000 through a GoDaddy matching grant. The Del Mar Foundation said its $10,000 grant had helped generate $39,000 for the nonprofits.
Separately from the specific use of Red Nose Run proceeds, Semper Fi & America's Fund says its programs provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to critically wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and military families. The organization says it processes an average of 170 grant requests each day; that figure describes its overall workload, not the use of event proceeds.
Promo Stops Ahead of Race Day
Organizers are also promoting the Dec. 5 event locally. The news release lists a Red Nose Run appearance on KUSI TV for Nov. 19 at 9:20 p.m. The following evening, the team and friends are scheduled at Belly Up in Solana Beach from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m., according to the release.
Photographer Jon Clark has previously documented the costumed crowds at the start of a Red Nose Run on Del Mar Beach. This year’s race is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on the beach next to Poseidon Restaurant.
