Huge Turnout for Great Race a Boon to Some, a Bother to Others

The crowd of more than 7,000 runners, plus an additional 5,000 onlookers attending the 26^th annual Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills, became both a boon and a barricade to stores in and around Chumash Park as well as along the race route.

"Business slowed, because people couldn’t get into [our store], and it jammed where the employees park," said a business owner near Chumash Park, who preferred not to be named. "It's a great event, it's only one day a year, and it's a good fundraiser, but it hurts our business."

In spite of two free shuttles provided by the city of Agoura Hills, in addition to hotel shuttles, many people still drove and parked near Saturday's race, congesting storefronts and stifling business for some.

The Agoura Hills City Mall, one of several unofficial parking areas for the race, is home to , which is in its fourth year of sponsoring the event. The popular bakery handed out more than 800 bagels with cream cheese to hungry runners and spectators, according to owner Brad Van Gundy.

Though the jam-packed parking lot prevented entrance to their business, Van Gundy said he preferred to focus on the bigger picture. "We usually do an average Saturday in the store but what [the race] does is increases business throughout the year by creating awareness," Van Gundy said. "It's a great event, and we feel honored to be a part of it. We love to give back to the community."

Nearby Stone Fire Grill, which provided lunches of pizza, pasta and salads to 50 volunteers for two days and was one of three official dinner locations of the race.  Fewer than two dozen tickets featuring the restaurant’s deal of half-off breadsticks with a minimum purchase of $10 were redeemed during the event, according to Elly Salter, who represents the restaurant in catering sales and marketing.

"We still consider it a great event and just another way that Stone Fire could be part of the community,” Salter said.

Not all businesses suffered from the event.

The Renaissance Hotel, the official accommodations for the Great Race, was filled to near capacity, according to Janet Slightam, sales manager for the Agoura Hills establishment. "We had 150 race participants staying with us, and we were happy to be a part of the event." she said. "It is really good exposure for the hotel."

This is the first year the hotel, which made a profit, has acted as a sponsor, said General Manager Matt Huss. "It was fantastic. We really enjoy all the community events. It helps people keep jobs," he said.

In its fourth year of sponsorship, Whole Foods Market of Thousand Oaks created some buzz for the store by handing out complimentary crepes and pancakes.

"The event promotes awareness, not only for Whole Foods Market, but for all natural food. It's a really good niche for us with the runners," said Ashley Eaton, Whole Foods marketing supervisor.

The Great Race was originally organized by parents trying to raise funds for their children's elementary schools, said Traci Greenberg, a producer of the event. Its race course is ranked as one of the top six 10K courses in the United States, according to Runners World magazine.

A signature event for Agoura Hills, the Great Race has made the city a "recreation destination," according to Donna Conlin, the city recreation manager, who also ran in the race.

While the event may not have translated into an instant economic boon for the local economy, the long-term effects for local education from the record turnout may be far-reaching.

“The Great Race donated about $100,000 to our schools last year, and we hope to donate just as much this year,” said Greenberg.

The money raised will go to elementary schools in Agoura and Oak Park, including funding for fitness and nutrition awareness programs, as well as athletic programs in the local high schools, according to Greenberg, who is still waiting for a final tally.