Solano Determined to be Fittest California County with 7 City Face-Off

Editor: JB Davis Email: jbdavis@patch.cMirror, Mirror on the Wall…

Who’s The Fittest of Them All?
By Colleen Hutchinson

What would it take to create the healthiest and fittest county in California? Maybe a Seven City face-off?

Saturday, September 29, 2012, Westfield Solano, Solano Library Foundation, and SolanoFit Magazine aim to find out at the inaugural SoFitCity 5K/10K Walk & Run, designed to build “fit minds and fit bodies for a fit future."

The event, hosted by Westfield Solano, benefits the Solano County Library Foundation and the development of WeCanDo, a non-profit organized to defeat obesity. Along with the 5K and 10K distances, the race features a kids run, and a fun fitness and health expo, as well. The total number of finishers per city will be used to determine the “fittest city” in Solano County.

 “Oh, it’s game on,” says Race Director, Todd Rewick. “It’s about health, it’s about community fun, and it’s about bragging rights. Whoever wins, it’s going to be a party!”

Even though organizers expect the event to attract some of the best athletes and runners in Solano County, they maintain the contest is not about speed, but about engaging each city to rally and put their best foot forward.

Walking remains one of the best ways to stay healthy and fit, and organizers have built city teams to help set up community walks and rallies leading up to the event.

“This is about lifestyle change,” says SolanoFit Magazine’s editor, Jessica Adele. “To become the healthiest and fittest in California, we need to think like the Tortoise and not the Hare.”

Interested runners, walkers, and movers of all types are encouraged to sign up as soon as registration opens, as participation will be limited to approximately 5,000 participants.

“This is such a positive message,” says Megan Stagnaro, Marketing Director at Westfield Solano. “We are excited to join in this effort, in support of a healthier and fitter county. May the fittest city win!"

 A county-superbowl of sorts, the community event welcomes school bands, cheerleaders, health, wellness, and fitness vendors to add to the festivities. In preparation for the seven city faceoff, race organizers invite residents to represent their city by posting about what they’re doing to get in shape at www.facebook.com/sofitcity.

 “But a fit future is more than purely physical,” says Adele. “Providing access to educational resources is essential for a truly fit community.”

Much of the monies raised will benefit local libraries to aid programs that are besieged by an ever growing number of budget cuts.

“Our libraries provide access to educational resources that remain as relevant as ever,” says Solano Library Foundation Executive Director, Dilenna Harris, “and we are thrilled to partner in this way for the overall health and wellbeing of our community.”

But like any large endeavour dedicated to a cause, the event seeks sponsorships and volunteers to make the event possible. If you are interested in joining a city team, raising funds, booth space, or volunteering please email Jessica@sofitmag.com.

“We believe this county is one of the most beautiful places in California to live, and we think it should be the healthiest too,” says Adele. “It will take all of us, but we can do it.”

Registration opens March 10, 2012 at www.sofitcity.com. To become an official sponsor please contact, Cari Wieland, cari@sofitmag.com or call 707-929-3565 ext 3.

Colleen Hutchinson is a full-time teacher at Rolling Hills Elementary in Fairfield, California. She also serves as Executive Director for Solano County Young Professionals, a professional networking non-profit that focuses on relationship building and career development. Contact her at solanoyp@gmail.com.