Kids & Family

A Thank You to Everyone Who 'Got Their Kook On'

The team who brought you the Cardiff Kook Run expresses its gratitude.

To Everyone Who Got Their Kook On, 

Some had flamingos on their heads, others wore bodysuits and grass skirts, one was dressed as Gandhi — and all of them came together for one reason:

We always knew people loved the Cardiff Kook, but it wasn’t until race day that we realized just how much. We figured we’d be lucky to attract a few hundred runners. We’re happy to say that more than 2,000 people turned out for the inaugural Cardiff Kook Run. Needless to say, we felt the love that day.

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That day wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a lot of people who worked behind the scenes. We’d like to a take a moment to recognize some of those people.

First, we’d like to thank the Encinitas City Council for letting the race happen. A special shout out goes to the good people in the Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department who went the extra mile to help us every step of the way.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) was in charge of all our volunteer efforts, and you can thank them for those manned water stations. We absolutely couldn’t have done this race without TNT, namely Trent Young, Erica Inderwick and Jay Weber. 

We have to give a tip of the hat to our San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for keeping all of us safe out there. A special thanks goes to Dr. Steve Dilauro for stepping in to work our first aid station at the last minute, too.

We’d like to spotlight our partners at , CACE Insurance Agency and — and we’d like to thank the (DEMA) and the for all the continued support. 

To Louie Lebherz, thank you for blessing us all with your voice during the National Anthem. Your performance was the icing on the cake.

Lastly, we want to give a high-five to each and every one of you who laced up for this race, came out to soak in those costumes, or helped us get the word out to the community. We have each and every one of you to thank for making this a success.

As a token of gratitude to the community that so embraced the Cardiff Kook Run, it’s our pleasure to now give back. On behalf of the Cardiff Kook Run, we will be donating to the P. E. program at and the Cardiff 101 Main Street, which will establish the Cardiff Kook Foundation to fund upkeep of the statute and surrounds that inspired this race.

Based on what we witnessed during race day, we have every reason to believe the Cardiff Kook Run is on the fast track to becoming a local favorite. We’re just getting warmed up, and we look forward to getting our kook on again with you next year. 

With Sincere Thanks,

Steve Lebherz, Founder

Seth Brewer and Bo Lebherz, Directors


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