The third annual 5K/10K Run for Myles will take place in Rancho Palos Verdes on Saturday, Nov. 15, with the largest number of participants expected in its short history.
Participants can either walk or run the picturesque route in honor of the late Myles Helm, an avid competitive endurance athlete and long-time Palos Verdes Peninsula resident.
The 10K race begins at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:15 a.m. The Kids’ Fun Race Run takes place at 9:45 a.m. An award ceremony follows at 10:15 a.m.
Kyle Helm, son of Myles Helm, said they are expecting around 400 participants, doubling last year’s attendance.
“It’s going to go east along Palos Verdes Drive South to about Argentine Road, where it turns around and comes back to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center,” Helm said.
Participants will receive a medal and T-shirts, and for the first time there will be awards given out to different age ranges.
The first Run for Myles took place the same morning the city of Rancho Palos Verdes celebrated its 50th birthday on Sept. 9, 2023.
Myles Helm, a commercial real estate executive who died in July 2022, and his wife Jill, were frequent visitors of local parks while raising their sons Kyle, Connor and Cameron.
Starting a 5K/10K in his hometown is a tribute to his legacy, since Myles Helm competed two Ironman World Championships and more than 60 marathons.
Kyle said his happiest memories with his father when he coached him in track during his youth.
“He brought me to every cross country race, every track event, every track race,” Kyle Helm said. “So whenever this event comes around, I just feel his presence. And for me, it’s just a way to keep his legacy alive. I think for our family, it just makes us feel really close to him this time of year.”
Jill Helm said the race keeps his legacy alive for their sons and family as well as colleagues and friends.
“He was very impactful too many people, so it was our way to keep him around us all, and we know that he’d be very, very proud and excited that this was happening for him,” Jill Helm said.
The family created the nonprofit, Run for Myles, to raise funds for the city’s parks and trails.
That will return this year, but last year’s event helped raise money for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund, which is managed by the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula,
Myles Helm loved “Palos Verdes so much,” Jill Helm said.
“He cared about the beauty, and that’s why the trails and the parks are important, because he utilized all that,” she said.
Jill added: “I think for the boys, it’s keeping him a part of them, and they are continuing their desire to keep running and keeping themselves fit. It’s a part of their lifestyle.”
The Helms hope to continue the growth of Run for Myles for years to come. They hope to attract thousands at future events and add a half marathon in the near future.
Kyle Helm said Run for Myles is a 100% road race.
“It is a big deal to close down PV Drive on a weekend for a number of hours to get participants on there,” Kyle Helm said. “And what an opportunity for participants to get to walk or run on those roads that are just so beautiful and have such amazing views. I mean, you go past the (Point Vicente) lighthouse, the Terranea (Resort), you can see the ocean. It’s wonderful.”
The event kicks off at 7 a.m. with registration open to the public. At 7:45 a.m., a warm-up session takes place to prepare participants.
For ticket and sign-up information, email runformyles501C3@gmail.com, or visit runformyles.com.