Santa Monica Classic Celebrates 20th Running

September 8, 2025

Runners Revel in Coastal Views, Cool Temps at Sold-Out Oceanfront Road Race

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – September 8, 2025 – The 20th edition of the Santa Monica Classic took place Sunday under ideal conditions, welcoming nearly 7,500 runners and walkers to the scenic streets of Santa Monica. With ocean breezes, palm-lined roads, and enthusiastic spectators lining the route, the event celebrated two decades of running with an unforgettable race-day atmosphere.

Participants represented 31 states and 14 countries. Over 200 Team TMF participants raised more than $50,000 to support The McCourt Foundation’s mission to cure neurological diseases and build a healthier world.

“The course is fun and fast. And nothing beats running by the beach,” said Emily Van Orman of Portland, who finished second in the women’s 10K. “There are palm trees everywhere. We’re running by the ocean. What’s not to love?”

Mexico’s Arely Reyes claimed her first major 10K victory, winning the women’s race in 38:00 — 40 seconds ahead of Van Orman. Reyes originally traveled to Southern California to visit Universal Studios but decided to stay and race.

“There was a lot of good motivation,” she said. “A lot of good people and a lot of good weather. I want to keep running, and I’m going to come back next year.”

In the men’s 10K, Andre-Diangelo Galdamez of Rancho Cucamonga crossed the line first in 34:26, 31 seconds ahead of Emiliano Rodriguez.

“This is my first city race win,” said Galdamez. “Honestly, this is a surreal experience. This is a city I love… I always said I want to win a city race.”

The women’s 5K was won by Newbury Park’s Maggie Shearer in 18:13. A first-timer at the Classic and a masters runner at 47, Shearer called the atmosphere “electric, electric.”

After years of injury, she added, “Every race I get to the line healthy, I’m appreciative. Getting to a race with other masters women who are fast and fun, it’s a great experience.”

Ingrid Walters of Santa Monica, who lives just two miles from the start, finished third.

“I live so close that I have to run it,” she said. “This is what I miss about racing, especially in Santa Monica. You get so much crowd support. It’s always a fun race.”

Marquis Bowden of Long Beach won the men’s 5K in 16:02. Leah Rosenfeld of Flagstaff, Ariz., took third in the women’s 10K.

“When you train at 7,000 feet, running along the ocean is a treat,” said Rosenfeld. “The course is beautiful, super fast, and super flat. Just a lot of fun.”

Race day also featured the Kids Run presented by Circle K, giving children ages 3–8 the chance to cross the same finish line as the pros and earn their own medals in a fun, family-friendly race along Ocean Avenue.

The 2026 Santa Monica Classic will take place on Sunday, September 13. For complete results, photos and more, visit www.mccourtfoundation.org.

About The McCourt Foundation

The McCourt Foundation (TMF) empowers communities to build a healthier world through research, education, and events. TMF’s mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world. TMF makes a difference by donating to neurology research, hosting educational forums, and using our events such as the Los Angeles Marathon, Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, Santa Monica Classic, Boston Waterfront 5K, and Tour de South Shore, as platforms to raise funds for over 105 nonprofit charity partners. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $6.7 million to neurology research and generated more than $72M for our nonprofit charity partners. Established in 1992, TMF is a 501 (c)(3) with offices in Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA. For more information, visit mccourtfoundation.org.

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