Locals Claim Top 10K Finishes

Updated: 9:26 p.m. Oct. 2, 2011 with correct winners for men's second and third place finishes and women's third place finish. We apologize for any inconvenience. Fortunately, the "Leaderboard" we took our original results from has been updated.

Close to 3,500 racers crossed the Manhattan Beach 10K Run finish line Saturday morning during the 34th running of the event. The race was held before the 39th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair began with a parade at 10 a.m. The fair continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Taking the top overall spot for the men's division after age-grading the results was Andrew Fouch of Manhattan Beach while Nathalie Higley finished first in the women's division.

The 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) course took its toll on some runners and they were met at the finish line by medical staff to work out cramps and other running ailments.  

The course, which wove through Manhattan Beach on city streets and ended at the Manhattan Beach Pier, is an officially certified USA Track & Field course. This certification means that running times can be officially nationally ranked and accepted as official records.  

The race, originally founded in 1978, is completely volunteer based and partners with the City of Manhattan Beach. All profits from the event are given back to the Manhattan Beach community. Past donations have helped build an exercise facility at Manhattan Beach Middle School and a climbing wall at Manhattan Heights Park.

Results - Overall Men's:

• FIRST: Tito Lezama, Lawndale (31:52)
• SECOND: Erik Chase Steffens, Sherman Oaks (32:35)
• THIRD: Matthew Miller, Manhattan Beach (32:50)

Results - Overall Women's:

• FIRST: Nathalie Higley, Redondo Beach (36:52)
• SECOND: Alison Atkinson, Manhattan Beach (37:45)
• THIRD: Emily Anderson, El Segundo (38:42)

You can see more race results on this Web site.

Manhattan Beach Police Chief Eve Irvine ran the race in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 42 seconds.