HISTORY
The Palisades Will Rogers race was started in 1977 with the first run in 1978 to augment the various July 4th activities celebrated in Pacific Palisades, ie., the race in the morning, the parade in the afternoon and the fireworks in the evening. The race is one of the more popular and well recognized 10ks in California and the country. It has been written up in various magazines, for example Runners World, as a race not to be missed. Over the years the race has consistently attracted from 2,800 to 3,000 runners, some from out of state as well as many local Palisadians, ranging in age from young children to over 80 years old. Net proceeds go to support Optimist Club youth charities.
Click here to watch the 40th Anniversary: Will Rogers Race Founders video from Pali Pictures on Vimeo
To see some great pre-race footage from 2013 - CLICK HERE and enjoy Tim Greenwood and Thomas Hathaway host the hour that brings the excitement for the 36th Will Rogers State Park run event to a fever pitch with their pre-run show!
From the archives!
Lee Calvert Wins the Inaugural Wishnick Award - July 2019: Volunteering on the fourth starts early. It is 4:30 a.m. on July 4th. Teeth are brushed, hair is combed, makeup applied and a change of clothing packed. It is the start of the day for volunteer Lee Calvert, who has been given the first Arnie Wishnick Award.
Hathaways Volunteer Vital Service to Keep - June 30, 2019: 5/10K Will Rogers Run Local By Laurel Busby Contributing Writer - Running on the Fourth of July has been a tradition since 1978, and Thomas and Dalena Hathaway have become a central part of that tradition.
