Support Homeless Youth of Hollywood at Run Hard Rock 5k on November 8

The So. Cal community is gearing up for Hard Rock Cafe’s 2nd annual Run Hard Rock Cafe 5K-the only 5K to shut down Hollywood Boulevard-on Saturday, November 8 to benefit My Friend’s Place, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting and inspiring homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives.
Though expected to sell out in the next few weeks, there are still a limited number of spots open. Registration is still open for runners, walkers and rockers alike for $50, which includes an Official Hard Rock Cafe 5K Finisher’s Medal and a limited-edition design 5K Tech Shirt. Additionally, a portion of all registration fees is donated directly to My Friend’s Place to support its services such as the Safe Haven Program, Transformative Education Program and Health & Well Being Program.
Among the thousands of other runners expected on Hollywood Blvd. this year, My Friend’s Place has assembled an inspiring group of runners comprised of homeless youth that take advantage of My Friend’s Place’s services as well as staff from the organization. Local Nike staff has stepped in to support these homeless youth by donating 25 pairs of running shoes and clothing in a variety of sizes and styles to ensure the My Friend’s Place participants have appropriate gear for the race.
“We are thrilled for everything Hard Rock Cafe is doing for our homeless youth,” says Heather Carmichael, Executive Director of My Friend’s Place. “To see our youth train and plan to participate in this year’s race is so heartwarming. Just the idea of joining a running club would have been difficult for many of them without Nike’s contribution of running shoes and gear-it is the first time many of these youth have had anything new. As a result, we’ve seen these young people have increased self-esteem, drive, and feel part of a larger purpose. It has all been a very moving experience.”
To further benefit the homeless youth at My Friend’s Place, Hard Rock Cafe has partnered up with Fleet Feet Sports Burbank. Fleet Feet will be collecting unwanted shoes at packet pick-up and post-race to donate directly to My Friend’s Place.
After the race, all runners, supporters, volunteers and spectators can join Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood at Hollywood BLVD for breakfast. Registered racers 21+ may enjoy one free Angel City Brewery beer after the race by using their bib tag. Families are encouraged to return to the cafe post-race to enjoy a kid’s area filled with face painting, games, and more.
“We are thrilled to see how the Hollywood community and beyond is coming together for this great cause of supporting our homeless youth,” says Selin Demren, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager of Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood, Calif. locations. “This year, the Run Hard Rock Cafe 5K is shaping up to be even bigger and better than the last.”
A photographer will be on route on race day to capture the Run Hard Rock Cafe 5K’s memorable moments. An exclusive Hard Rock Cafe 5K Collector’s Pin will also be available for purchase with one dollar of every sale going to My Friend’s Place. Awards will be awarded to Top 3 Overall Male and Female Finishers in the Hard Rock Cafe 5K and 3 deep in the following divisions for Males and Females: 13 & under, 14 -18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & above.
Registration is available online at: www.RunHardRockCafe.com.

More from Arcadia Weekly