Chamber president pitches 'Run the Lake' 5K/10K at Austin Park; committee asks for safety sign‑off

A representative identifying herself as the president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce asked the Clearlake Marketing Committee to back an inaugural 5K/10K starting and finishing at Austin Park, proposing Aug. 27 as the date and saying several sponsors — including Adventist Health — were already lined up.

The presenter, speaking during the meeting’s public-comment period, described a route that would begin near Olympic Drive by the police department, travel through Burns Valley and Lakeshore and return to Austin Park. “We’re really excited about it. A 5 k, 10 k run,” she said, adding the event would include a postrace health fair and sponsor booths.

Committee members generally expressed enthusiasm but repeatedly emphasized safety and logistics. Officials pressed for clarity about road closures, resident access and emergency-vehicle movement; one member recommended the presenter meet with Chief White, fire chief Willie Cepeda and public-works staff to review the route and traffic-control plan. The presenter said she needed official city approval — a “seal” — and told the committee she would move the event to Lakeport if the city could not provide sign-off by March.

The presenter offered operational details: a staggered start with the 10K at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m., plans for cones and a cleanup/truck to reopen roads after the last runner, and rules aimed at safety (proposed restrictions on dogs and strollers). Committee members warned that some streets discussed (for example, East Lake Drive) include unpaved or narrow sections and that closures should be coordinated so residents retain access and emergency routes remain clear.

Committee members also discussed sponsorship and branding. The presenter described race-art concepts that would feature the lake and nearby Mount Konocti and provided contact information (director@lakecountywineries.org) for follow-up. Several members offered to drive potential routes with the presenter and to help refine a map before a safety meeting with chiefs and public works.

No formal approval or funding was granted at the meeting. The committee’s next steps are procedural: staff and the presenter are expected to arrange the recommended safety meeting with police, fire and public works, and the presenter will return with the feedback and any required event packet. The committee did not authorize city promotion or sponsorship; any official city marketing will depend on the forthcoming public‑safety review and formal staff recommendations.