Through my eyes

Ron Davis

Something new is brewing for the Pacific Shoreline Marathon, which

will be held in Huntington Beach, on Jan. 27. For those without

calendars, that’s a Sunday, or should I say, Sudsday.

That’s right, folks, the Huntington Beach City Council has approved a

beer garden for the participants in the race. If I may be so bold, I’d

like to offer a slogan for the promoters of the event: “Beer at the pier,

next year.” Or maybe, “Get your brew in 2000 and two.” Or maybe they

could even subtitle the race, “Run for the hops.”

If your getting the impression that I’m opposed to the idea, you’re

wrong.

Let me underscore that the beer garden is only for those who

participate in the races. While it may seem strange to those of you who

have never run a 5K, 10K, or marathon, a cold beer at the end of a race

goes as well with the finish as pickles and ice cream during a pregnancy.

For many, the prospect of mixing beer with any kind of an event, even

when there is a two-beer maximum as there is in this case, raises

eyebrows higher than a celebratory toast. While for many, beer may not be

to marathons what hops are to barley, beer gardens have become the norm

at the conclusion of these kinds of races, rather than the exception.

I’m a big fan of Huntington Beach. I’m the kind of guy who enjoys

seeing our name on the weather map during the weather report on our local

television stations. I’m proud of our city and I’m delighted when we

promote Huntington Beach to the rest of the nation.

World-class marathons, such as those in Boston, New York and other

major cities, include beer gardens at the end of the race. While I don’t

advocate doing something just because someone else does it, the fact

remains that unless we effectively compete with these other events, our

event will run a distant second.

While the police officially oppose the beer garden, for fear it will

create a precedent, they have privately conceded that if a beer garden is

to be approved, this is probably the one.

Some have pointed out that the race finishes within walking distance

of a number of bars and restaurants in the Downtown. But, those who run

in these races enjoy hanging around and talking to their fellow

competitors after the race, while waiting for the award ceremonies.

Moreover, in order to produce these events, sponsors have to pay the city

costs associated with the event. In this case, the costs are about

$17,000.

The sponsors generate the income to pay these fees by getting exposure

to their products. And, that can’t occur when the participants are seated

on a bar stool in one of our local saloons. Further, these competitors

aren’t looking for the bar experience. They simply want a cold beer and a

couple of cups of carbohydrates.

These types of events, which draw 5,000 participants from throughout

the world, as well as countless supporters, serve to enhance Huntington

Beach’s image as an international destination. They also enhance the

economy of Huntington Beach and add sales tax and parking lot revenue to

the city coffers. And, when those things occur, our property values

increase. To which I simply say, “cheers!”

* RON DAVIS is a private attorney who lives in Huntington Beach. He

can be reached by e-mail at o7 RDD@socal.rr.com.f7