Over 7,600 participants from around the nation took to the oceanfront Santa Monica Classic 10K and 5K courses for its 2026 event on Sept. 13.
Produced by The McCourt Foundation (TMF), the event supports the organization’s mission to cure neurological diseases and empower communities to build a healthier world. The race saw records set by its charity runners participating through Team TMF. The organization’s official charity running team featured more than 270 runners and raised over $54,000 for the cause, both records at the Santa Monica Classic.
In addition to being a vehicle for charitable fundraising, the race welcomed both recreational runners and elite athletes to both distances. Southern California locals took first place across all 10K divisions. Esteban Prado, the men’s 10K champion, overall first-place finisher and Fountain Valley resident, completed the 6.2 miles in 30:25. The women’s 10K course was led by Jennifer Cardenas Sandoval from Fontana, who finished with a time of 35:57. The nonbinary division was led by Dae Seo from South Pasadena, who finished the 10K in 41:53.
The men’s and women’s 5K divisions were led by Gabriel Planty, who finished with a time of 15:26, and Maggie Shearer in 18:26. Debbie Arevalo finished the 3.1-mile route in 30:20, taking first in the nonbinary division of the 5K.
The Santa Monica Classic also hosted its Kids Run, where more than 270 kids ages three to eight took on a ½ km route.
The Santa Monica Classic is one of four annual running events produced by The McCourt Foundation. Since 1992, the foundation has donated over $7.2 million to neurological research and generated more than $81 million through its Charity Program. Team TMF charity runners received a guaranteed entry, VIP perks and a personal fundraising page.
“As we kick off the 2026-2027 event season, Team TMF is already breaking records. Hearing the stories from our charity runners as to why they are running makes hosting these events even more powerful, and their efforts to keep raising the bar speak volumes about their passion,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, COO of The McCourt Foundation. “We’re proud to create a memorable race day that showcases Santa Monica as a destination, while also spreading awareness of neurological diseases and helping find cures.”
For more information about the Santa Monica Classic and Team TMF, visit mccourtfoundation.org, follow the Santa Monica Classic on Facebook andInstagram, and follow The McCourt Foundation on Facebook, Instagram andLinkedIn.
