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| California Academy of Sciences » General Information » Newsroom » Academy Hosts 20th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Race - RUN TO THE FAR SIDE |
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Stephanie Greenman Stone (415) 379-5121
SAN FRANCISCO (September 1, 2004) - San Francisco's most unusual annual run is just around the corner! The 20th annual 5K and 10K Run To The Far Side® is a Thanksgiving weekend tradition that pays tribute to the eccentric cartoon creations of Gary Larson. It is the only race where herds of costumed cows, chickens, cavemen, and assorted Far Side fanatics compete side-by-side with serious athletes in a beautiful jaunt through Golden Gate Park. Costumes are a tradition in the 5K; the top ten costumes will be awarded cash and prizes during a costume contest following the race. The first, second, and third place winners will receive $500, $300, and $150 respectively, as well as an autographed Gary Larson book or calendar, while 4th-10th place winners will each win $100. This year, entrants are encouraged to take a costuming cue from the Academy's most recent natural history exhibit, ANTS: Hidden Worlds Revealed, and choose a Far Side cartoon that features antennae or other ant-related themes. Runners who are more interested in slimming their waistlines after their Thanksgiving feasts are invited to join the 10K run. All runners and walkers will cross the finish line across the street from the Academy's construction site on East Middle Drive, where post-race refreshments, entertainment, and the Blue Cross of California Health Pavilion will be available. On-stage highlights will include costume judging and live music. Race fees support environmental education and research programs at the Academy. Pre-registration fees are $20 for members/$25 for non-members; race-morning fees are $30 for all. To find more information, receive an entry form, or register online, go to www.calacademy.org or call the RhodyCo race hotline at (415) 759-2690. Public transit, carpooling and bicycling to the race are strongly encouraged. Some roads in and around Golden Gate Park will be closed at 8:00 am to accommodate the race. For more information about the California Academy of Sciences, including hours, admission fees, and directions, please call (415) 379-8000. The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street, Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger are admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. www.calacademy.org (415) 379-8000. The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008. [The Far Side® is a registered trademark of FarWorks, Inc.] [Blue Cross of California (BCC) is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Association. ©2004 BCC.] #### |