Oktoberfest in Baywood

November 16, 2023

A few of the many classic cars during Oktoberfest

Sunday, October 29th was the 44th annual Oktoberfest event that took place in Baywood-Los Osos. At 9:00 there was a four mile race and soon after a classic car show with many stands selling various things from local businesses.

Morro Bay High School’s Cross Country team has been hosting the race for a while since Ms. Frere was running on the team, although in recent years the team has not been doing so. Recently Ms. Frere arranged our team to host the event this year. Runners of this event paid $30 to run and also get a pair of socks and a cup. After the race there were multiple people who got first picks on a set of prizes ranging from gift cards to local businesses, t-shirts, and even gift baskets, based on age and time. For example, the fastest person in their 40s or oldest participant. As the hosts, our team obtained 70% of the funds raised. This money will be used to fund bus rides, register athletes into meets, provide snacks during meets, etc. All in all, the team raised approximately $2,700 in funds from the event.

Runners meeting up to receive their prizes after the race

Stands selling various items on 2nd Street

The 4 mile run is mostly flat with a few shallow hills. There is a turnaround point at the 2 mile mark where Pecho Rd intersects with Los Osos Valley Road. Here was where I helped in the race; handing out water to runners. I was joined by Aidan Elmendorf, Sam Ellis, Cameron D’Aunoy, Nathan Fuller, Maddox Miner, Shelby Taylor, and more people outside of cross country. The starting point of the race, at 2nd St, was where the rest of the team was, helping with registration, selling apparel, and gathering bibs to track times.

The community has also given positive feedback on MBHS hosting this year. I have seen one such instance where a runner insisted on paying to get a cup after racing despite us saying it was free. Other people have witnessed similar events where people just want to donate to support us, which is amazing.

Joe Rubio, owner of Running Warehouse, has also helped immensely with this event while also being our biggest sponsor. Frere told me, “Joe handed over his materials and gave us a list of things that we need to take care of… He helped us really dial in the logistics of how to run it because we haven’t done it in a really long time.” A lot of local businesses have also sponsored the Oktoberfest race. We thank them a lot for donating items such as gift cards and gift baskets. There is a list of them below.

In summary, the Oktoberfest happens yearly here in Los Osos, with a 4 mile race then a car show and booths selling stuff. We thank Running Warehouse and our sponsors for donating gift cards and baskets. This was a traditional fundraiser for the team and I have no doubts it will be a yearly event that the team hosts from now on.