Steve Lewis is one of the UCLA all-time greats in track and field.
Steve Lewis to be Honored
February 15, 2017 | Track & Field
LOS ANGELES - Olympic track and field gold medalist and UCLA great Steve Lewis has been selected as the first ever recipient for the Running Icon Award at Village Runner's 14th St. Patrick's Day 5K. The race, which takes place on Sunday March 12, 2017, winds around the scenic Redondo Beach waterfront and both starts and finishes in Riviera Village.
Race organizers are proud to honor Lewis, who resides in Redondo Beach, as a Running Icon. His UCLA teammate Danny Everett will present the award to Lewis.
"His selection is based on his multiple iconic performances as a track and field athlete, which has solidified him as one of the greatest runners ever in the sport," stated Village Runner race organizer Mike Ward.
As a 19-year-old UCLA freshman, Lewis won his first ever Olympic gold medal in the 400m dash in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, setting the world junior record with a time of 43.87 and following it up with another gold medal in the 4x400m relay, where his team matched the previously set world record of 2:56.16.
Four years later, Lewis returned to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and won a silver medal in the 400m dash and a gold medal in the 4x400m relay, when his team broke the world record.
Lewis currently still holds the World Junior Record in the 400m dash and is the youngest 400m dash champion in Olympic history.
"I am extremely honored and excited on being the first recipient of the running Icon Award at the 14th Saint Patrick's Day 5K," Lewis said. "I believe that all runners at every level share a common goal of striving to achieve personal excellence. I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing event."
Lewis, who competed with the Santa Monica Track Club, continues to be a strong fitness advocate. He currently works with Ooofball, a medicine ball with bounce created to help individuals develop body power, coordination, muscular endurance and flexibility. Ooofball will have a booth with product demonstrations at the 5K in support of the race.
A portion of the proceeds from the St. Patrick's Day 5K benefits the Redondo Beach Educational Foundation as well as local schools and running programs. About $200,000 has been donated from this race as well as their annual 4th of July 5K.
Race sponsors include the Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital & Pet Keeper in Torrance and the Healthy Spot, an organic pet food and supply store.
Race registration for the 14th St. Patrick's Day 5K is now open, and applications can be found online or in person at the Village Runner stores in Riviera Village and Manhattan Center.
Courtesy Don Franken
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