A midnight run on Pasadena’s Rose Parade route rings in the new year – Press Enterprise

There were many special reasons more than 2,500 people chose to start the new year with a midnight 5K run along the Tournament of Roses parade route in Pasadena, but for Alexandria Calopiz and Joe Isaac Becerra of Chino it was all about romance.

“I thought, ‘What better way to start off our wedding year than running a 5K when the ball drops,’” said Calopiz, who will wed Becerra on June 5, 2025. “What a way to start it — being active and just doing it together.”

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For the second year in a row the Lululemon-sponsored “Run With the Roses” 5K was a sellout among runners, joggers and walkers. Along with participants, there were also hundreds of people in attendance that were already camped out along Colorado Avenue for the parade, who cheered the runners on fervently as they ran.

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“We just thought there was this unique opportunity to program something within the parade course because there are so many folks that come out to camp and get ready for the parade and so we really decided to use that built-in cheer section to give them something to cheer for while they wait for the parade to begin,” explained Kara Schlosser, vice president of North America community for Lululemon.

“We’re just so thrilled with the partnership,” she said. “It’s incredible to be able to offer our community something to do on New Year’s Eve.”

With a wall of music thumping out of speakers on West Colorado Blvd., just west of Pasadena Ave., on the bridge overlooking the 210 freeway, a mob of runners gathered well before midnight. Picking spots along the starting area based on how fast they expected to finish, with the fastest runners toward the front of the pack, the mood was much more celebratory than serious, with many runners posing for selfies, filming themselves as they ran along, sharing hugs with friends and dancing to the music as the old year drew to a close.

“I feel like Lululemon’s my favorite brand and I always wanted to run a marathon, so I thought this was the best time,” said Vanessa Lara of Paramount, whose New Year’s resolution is to run more.

She, in turn, inspired her friend, Desiree Shack of Los Angeles, to also take part.

“I thought it would be fun,” Shack said. “She was doing it already so I thought I’d try.”

Along with promoting the Lululemon brand, along with their Rose-related limited edition merchandise, the race also served as a fundraiser for both Fostering Dreams Project and Women’s Sports Foundation.

The course headed east along Colorado Blvd, with runners looping back at Hill Ave., and finally finishing at Los Robles Ave.

Kenny Houser of San Bernandino ran the race last year.

“It was the loudest run I ever ran,” he said, with the screams and cheers of overnight parade patrons overwhelming. “It’s awesome. It’s very electric.”

He said that while there were some runners taking part who were very experienced and fast, it was really to be considered a recreational experience.

“It’s just a fun event,” Houser said. “It’s great to do it with the Rose Parade. It’s great to run the Rose Parade route.”

Schlosser echoed that the race was not meant to be competitive.

“We don’t necessarily have a prize for the winner, but they’ll get lots of high fives and good vibes,” she said. “It’s really about everyone who starts the race being able to finish it, so we’ll be here until the last runner crosses the finish line.”

Asked what had motivated her to come out at this late hour on New Year’s Eve to run a race, Angelica Cruz of Fullerton said, “I’m showing up for myself.”

She said earlier this year she ran in a 10K event also sponsored by Lululemon, and had an excellent time.

“That was so much fun,” she said. “I love their races. I love the vibes and environment, and I think it’s just a great way to start the new year.”

Jarret Liotta is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and photographer.