A record-breaking turnout and the introduction of a Kids Dash helped make this year's St. Anthony's Feast 5K the most successful race in its six-year history, drawing nearly 500 participants and reinforcing its place as one of Oceanside's signature community events.
The annual race, organized by the St. Anthony's Fathers Club in conjunction with the St. Anthony's Feast, welcomed 483 registered runners and walkers on June 13. Of those, 430 crossed the finish line — more than 100 finishers above last year's total and the largest turnout since the race began in 2019.
"We've been super gratified," race director Joe Hissong said. "It's become a real community event. It benefits St. Anthony's, but it reaches a much broader community."
Following last year's event, which was hampered by heavy rain and held over Father's Day weekend, organizers were greeted this year with dry skies despite hot temperatures.
Participants lingered after the race, enjoying donated fruit, baked goods and refreshments while socializing under shade tents. Along the course, neighborhood residents cheered runners from their front lawns, with some even setting up their own unofficial water stations.
"You see people just hanging out after the race, enjoying that they got outside, got some exercise and did it together with other people from the community," Hissong said.
New this year was a free Kids Dash, which attracted about 25 children ranging from preschoolers to teenagers. The untimed event gave younger children an opportunity to participate before the main race without the pressure of competition.
"It was honestly adorable," Hissong said. "It gives the younger kids a chance to feel like they're part of the event."
The race was originally conceived in 2019 during planning for the 50th anniversary of the St. Anthony's Feast. Fathers Club member Steve Xuereb proposed adding a 5K to draw more visitors to the festival, with each registration including $5 in "Feast Bucks" redeemable at food and beverage vendors. The tradition continues today.
Although the inaugural race attracted fewer than 100 participants, the event has grown steadily each year despite challenges including the pandemic, smoky skies from the 2023 Canadian wildfires and last year's torrential rain.
Planning for the next race begins almost immediately after the current one ends.
"We sit down the night of the race and go over what went right, what went wrong and what we can improve," Hissong said. "We keep a running list of lessons learned every year."
Proceeds from the race benefit St. Anthony's Church and help support the Fathers Club's parish improvement projects, including landscaping, seasonal flower plantings, church maintenance and family service events. Hissong said organizers expect the race to return next year after finalizing a date with the parish's new pastor, with registration opening soon afterward.
