Laguna Niguel Family YMCA Gears Up For Annual 4th Of July OC Tradition

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - June 22, 2016 - PRLog -- The 4th of July is quickly approaching and that means it is time for the 38th edition of Run in the Parks at the Laguna Niguel Family YMCA. The event is a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and also includes children's races that are held in the Crown Valley Community Park and Laguna Niguel Regional Parks. A fan favorite competition of previous years will also return - the "most patriotic dog competition" will crown the most patriotic pooch of the day. Attendees not participating in the races will still be able to enjoy a day of fun activities starting with a pancake breakfast in the morning, and after the races, a party to celebrate the holiday.

Key community partners include the City of Laguna Niguel, the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, and OC Parks. Some of the featured sponsors this year include Whole Foods Market, American's Healthiest Grocery Store, and Caretta, a brand known for exceptional car detailing. Each year, 1,200-1,600 individuals participate in the event, and many more come to watch. Almost 200 volunteers work the event. Some of the volunteers and runners have been involved in the race since its creation.

Started in 1978, before the City of Laguna Niguel and the Y took land in the current location, local residents wanted to improve the fitness of the community and highlight nonprofit work. One of the race founders, Bill Pasqual, is still a participant in the race today and has not missed a race as either a volunteer or runner since the inaugural year.

Each year, the proceeds from the event directly benefit the children and families in the Laguna Niguel community through membership at the Y. Money raised will be used to sustain and grow Y programs and services to ensure that all children and families have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the Y. This event supports opportunities far beyond basketball leagues for kids or group exercise classes for seniors; it provides invaluable, life-enriching experiences to children and families in the surrounding communities.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.ymcaoc.org/ritp

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ABOUT YMCAOC/YMCARC/YMCASGV: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County, Riverside County, and San Gabriel Valley through seven (7) Health & Wellness locations (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Murrieta, and Santa Ana).  With an additional 150 after school programs, summer camps, sports & swim programs, Adventure Guides parent/child groups, and programs for youth and adults with special needs, YMCAOC is committed to serving our growing and diverse community needs.

YMCA staff and volunteers celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs. From youth basketball and swim classes to fitness programs and resident camp, Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise - To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org  www.ymcarc.org  www.ymcasgv.org