Great Race: A couple’s labor of love

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers ON TRACK-Danny and Traci Greenberg stand at the finish line on the Agoura High School track where spectators will view the Great Race of Agoura on March 19.

When 4,000 runners take to the streets of Agoura on March 19 to compete in a series of races, they will mark an important community milestone—the 20th anniversary of the Great Race of Agoura.

The anniversary is especially significant because the event, which includes a 10K, a 5K, a half marathon and a kids’ one-mile fun run, teetered on the brink of extinction several years ago.

In 1986 local residents established the race as a small community event to raise money for their children’s schools. The event grew over the years and became so big that parent volunteers became burned out from the work to organize it.

A couple who had recently moved to the area stepped in to help. The pair took the race over and expanded it, too.

Danny and Traci Greenberg had relocated to Oak Park from New York after Danny’s company, Fox Sports, transferred his division to the Los Angeles area in 2000.

A senior executive in the company’s Internet and digital division, Danny anticipated a high-tech fallout and wanted to start his own business before his job was affected. An avid runner and fitness buff, Danny saw a niche in Los Angeles that he could fill.

"There wasn’t any media catering to the active community of L.A.," Danny said.

In 2001 the Greenbergs established Los Angeles Sports and Fitness magazine to provide information to local sports enthusiasts. Based in Agoura, the magazine has a circulation of 50,000 and readers from Santa Barbara to Long Beach.

In 2002, the Greenbergs took on the workload of the Great Race, retaining the event as a school fundraiser and raising more than $125,000 in the past three years. Beneficiary schools are Sumac, Willow and Yerba Buena elementary schools in Agoura; Red Oak, Brookside and Oak Hills elementary schools in Oak Park; and the running programs of Agoura and Oak Park high schools.

"We approached them about it. We’re based here; our kids go to school here. We didn’t want to see it go away," Danny said. "In this day and age with all of the budget cuts the schools need all the money they can get."

The couple decided to expand the race by adding a half marathon to attract participants from beyond the community, and attracting financial support through sponsors like Dole.

A silent auction and raffle on race day were added to raise more money for schools. The 10K has been recognized as one of the top courses in the country by Runners World magazine.

The post-race party at Agoura High School is considered by runners to be one of the best featuring a full buffet of healthy food and beverages donated by area restaurants and stores.

An expo includes 50 booths featuring health clubs, nutrition companies, sports medicine professionals and kids’ camps and sports programs. Giant inflatables are a big attraction for children.

Other highlights include an appearance by Olympic medalist and Agoura High School graduate Deena Kastor who kicks off the 5K named after her, as well as the kids mile race. Top finishers in the 10K can win thousands of dollars in high-end audio and video equipment donated by an Agoura Hills company called Evolution whose co-owner participates in the race.

In 2004, its first year, the half marathon sold out. The course snakes through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area so the race is limited to 500 runners under national park rules.

"The course runs through open meadows and rolling hills. People love the trail and the scenery changes so much," Danny said.

Among the thousands of participants are runners from 193 cities, 24 states, and four countries. Besides benefiting the schools, the race showcases the area, and brings an economic benefit through visiting athletes who patronize local hotels and restaurants.

"The Great Race is a great attraction and we always enjoy having it in our city," said Agoura Hills Mayor Ed Corridori. "It spotlights the importance of people staying healthy, being outdoors and getting exercise."

Although it’s a one-day event, organizing the Great Race is a year-round undertaking for the Greenbergs.

"When I first started going to races with Danny I thought ‘What’s the big deal?’ You put out some oranges, water and a timing clock, and you have a race," Traci said. "When I got on the other side of it I saw it totally differently. I don’t think people realize what goes into it."

The couple’s relatives from their native Chicago, including both sets of parents and some siblings, come to Oak Park the week before the race to help stuff packets and baby-sit for the couple’s two daughters.

The night before the race, the couple doesn’t sleep. Instead they’re out on the streets of Agoura with close friends setting up the course, preparing medals, and finalizing last minute details. They are also assisted by about 200 volunteers on race day.

"I’m not a mom for a week," Traci said. "It’s a nice life lesson for my kids. They know their mom and dad are really involved in their school and that life’s not only about getting but also giving."

For information and registration visit www.greatraceofagoura.com.