Image courtesy of U.S. VETS – Long Beach.
This Saturday, Long Beach’s first U.S. VETS – Long Beach Walk, Run, Roll 5K/10K will crowd Granada Beach as walkers, runners and rollers line up to race along the city’s sandy shores, past downtown, the Queen Mary and the Port of Long Beach.
Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing a wheelchair-accessible van for disabled veterans, women’s programs, workforce development training and outreach to homeless veterans, according to the release.
The event also honors Los Angeles County Supervisor and Navy Veteran Don Knabe, who was previously honored at the U.S. VETS – Long Beach “Honoring Those Who Serve Luncheon.”
“I can’t think of a better way to begin a weekend than running, walking and rolling for veterans along a stunning stretch of beach,” said Mike Murray, U.S. Vets – Long Beach Advisory Council chairman. “We’ll have vets, active service members and supporters of both double-timing it to support those that have served this country.”
Nationwide, veterans make up an estimated 20 percent of the homeless population, according to the release, while U.S. VETS – Long Beach affects the lives of over 2,200 veterans and their families through outreach, transitional programming and long-term and permanent supportive housing.
“We are proud to support homeless and at-risk veterans in the Long Beach Region,” said Brenda Threatt, executive director of U.S. VETS – Long Beach in a statement. “We serve more than 550 veterans [daily], helping them achieve employment goals, obtain housing, and live overall healthier lives. U.S. VETS – Long Beach is a needed bridge for veterans to self-sufficiency in order to rejoin their families and communities.”
Those interested in participating may register and pick up their packets on Friday, June 17 from 10:00AM to 7:00PM at the U.S. Vets – Long Beach location. Those registering the day-of can do so between 7:00AM and 7:45PM. To register online, click here.
The U.S. Vets – Long Beach Walk, Run, Roll 5K/10K will start and finish at the Granada Boat Ramp, located at 1 Granada Avenue. For packet pick-up on Friday, U.S. Vets – Long Beach is located at 2001 River Avenue.
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