‘Star Wars’-themed ‘Course of the Force’ Relay Event Raises Funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation

What if you could run a relay race with the Force behind you? Now, what if the baton was a lightsaber? Double cool. Am I right?

What I’m describing is Course of the Force – a relay race that spans the State of California with a starting line in the San Francisco Bay Area and the finish line in San Diego, where the race concludes just in time for Comic-Con on July 16 (so, actually triple cool).

Now in its second year, the Star Wars-themed race began on July 9 at Skywalker Ranch and includes hundreds of fans making their way 500 miles down the coast. The best part is, it’s all to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In its inaugural year, this first-of-its-kind race raised more than $100,000 for wishes to young people with life-threatening medical conditions. This year’s proceeds will again support Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters in the areas where the race primarily takes place, including the Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

The Olympic-style relay, open to folks of all ages, features runners, walkers and joggers, decked out in their best Star Wars-themed running gear. At four of the stops along the way, participants and supporters can celebrate with live music and festivities while runners hand off the lightsaber. The event culminates with special closing ceremonies in San Diego.

Today, the lightsaber makes it way down to Pacific Palisades, and tomorrow it heads to Santa Monica. To check out the full schedule or to make a donation, visitCourseOfTheForce.com. You can also follow the event on Twitter at @CourseOTheForce.

May the Force be all of this year’s participants!