Torrance, CA — This May 21st, 2016 is Armed Forces Day. The Torrance Armed Forces Day 5k Run/Walk will kick off the day’s festivities, hosted for the first time by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with UCLA Health.
The Run/Walk will bring the Torrance area community together for a full day of camaraderie and excitement around celebrating the freedoms we as Americans treasure thanks to the sacrifices of our service members. The City of Torrance 57th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade will commence after the Run/Walk.
In recognition of Armed Forces Day, the 5k will include a special component called the Freedom Run, in which active duty service men and women will run in formation in PT gear and call out cadence. A stirring tribute to Louis Zamperini, local Olympian and veteran known in his running days as the Torrance Tornado, will also be given at the start of the race. Zamperini’s family has been invited to attend the weekend’s festivities.
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman of the Board Jac Folkert, herself an avid runner, inspired the Chamber’s effort to pursue the idea of coordinating a 5k event. “Running and walking brings people together in special ways,” says Folkert. “It brings people together for the love of healthy living, in pursuit of individual and team goals, and to support causes of various kinds. It is exciting that Torrance, which hosts the longest-running Armed Forces Day parade in the nation, is once again presenting an Armed Forces Day 5K run preceding the parade. It is a wonderful opportunity for the South Bay to come together and run/walk in recognition, celebration and support of our service men and women.”
The 5k Run/Walk will start at 8:00am. The 5k starting line and expo will be located in the Del Amo Fashion Center parking lot on Madrona Avenue between Carson St and Fashion Way. For more information and to register for the race, visit villagerunner.com or call the race hotline at (310) 220-0233.
by Brandon Smith
Brandon is the Communications Coordinator for the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. His primary responsibilities include design, marketing, and editorial. He also designs and maintains TorranceChamber.com. Feel free to contact him at any time.
