Artichoke Festival 5K Beach Run has been canceled

The Artichoke Festival is very sad to announce the cancellation of it’s 5K Beach Run, which was rescheduled for September 12, 2020. The Artichoke Festival Committee has decided that the need to keep participants, spectators, and event volunteers safe and healthy is the most important consideration during this ongoing health crisis. As we have monitored the current situation and look toward the near future, it has become evident that a mass gathering such as a beach fun run will not be safe in our community in September.

Runners take heart and stay tuned! We are planning to bring the 5K Beach Run back in the Spring, in advance of the Artichoke Festival on June 5-6, 2021, and will announce the new date at the beginning of 2021. Please consider signing up for our newsletter for the latest news and updates — just click the link in the top right corner of this page.

REFUND POLICY FOR PAID ENTRANTS

We will refund participation fees to all currently registered participants of the 2020 Artichoke Festival 5K Beach Run, beginning on July 20, 2020. Fees are not being deferred or held over to the next event. Please allow 7 days for refunds to process. Questions about participant refunds can be emailed to artichokefest5k@gmail.com.

PLEASE HELP US FILL IN THE GAPS

As an organization whose mission involves connecting people with a unique celebration that also allows us to give back to the community, donations and proceeds enable the Artichoke Festival (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization), to continue funding many wonderful charitable and educational non-profit organizations within Monterey County. The Artichoke Festival has given back over $210,800 in the past decade to local support programs and non-profit organizations. This year, with the loss of entry fees and other income sources due to two event cancellations, we will be largely unable to provide needed support to these worthy organizations. Those who wish to help us fill in the gaps may donate directly to one of our organization’s five chosen non-profit partners for 2020: Food Bank for Monterey; Manzanita Youth Playground; Monterey County PAL; Meals on Wheels – Salinas; or Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. Just click this link to learn more. Your donations are completely tax deductible.

MOVING FORWARD

We believe that there are intrinsic health benefits from celebrating outdoors with friends and family. Even though we can’t celebrate together at this time, we hope our runners and fans will continue to take advantage of the outdoors, as long they follow their community’s guidance for staying safe and healthy!

We are immeasurably grateful for the patience and understanding our Beach Run entrants have shown us in the past months. We look forward to a healthier time when we can once again see you all at one of our Artichoke Festival events in the months ahead!