Annual Citrus Run To Feature 13-Mile Marathon And 10K, 5K Contest

RIVERSIDE, CA — Runners will take off Saturday in Riverside's annual "Citrus Run," featuring a 13-mile "half marathon," as well as 10K and 5K competitions on the west end of the city.

The event, which takes participants on a course paralleling the municipality's orange and lemon groves, generally attracts hundreds of amateur and professional athletes and is considered a "tune-up" for additional contests throughout the year.

The longer run gets underway at 6:30 a.m. on the north side of Arlington Heights Sports Park, followed by the 10K -- 6-mile -- run at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K -- 3-mile -- race at 8:45 a.m.

There is additionally a "Children's Fun Run" that begins at 9:45 a.m. and is held close to the park.

"As one of the most scenic course routes in Southern California, you will experience breathtaking views of surrounding mountain ranges and skyline as you inhale the smell of sweet citrus and orange blossoms beginning to bloom," according to the Citrus Run website. "This race is truly one-of-a- kind!"

Numerous street closures are planned until noon to accommodate the runners.

The half-marathon traverses Victoria Avenue, continues along Adams Street, Cleveland Avenue, Irving Street, Jefferson Street and Grace Street before steering back toward Arlington Heights Sports Park.

The 10K contest follows the same general path, but does not go as far as Grace Street before participants head back to the starting point. The 5k event covers Victoria, Jackson, Dufferin and Van Buren Boulevard only.

Detours will be in place for motorists trying to access the streets reserved for the race course.

More information is available at http://citrusheritagerun.com/.

—City News Service