County wide run unites region for health
Organizers of the SOFITCITY 5K/10K, presented by Kaiser Permanente, have launched new challenges for an even bigger celebration at the annual county competition walk/run event held at the Solano Town Center in Fairfield, CA on Saturday, September 28, 2013.
SOFITCITY welcomes rival cities to compete for the largest number of finishers to win the county trophy in the name of health, civic pride and fun. Last year’s inaugural event saw approximately one thousand runners, with Suisun City winning the trophy with the largest percentage of residents participating. “This event is about citizens coming together in a grass roots effort to build a healthier community,” says event organizer Jessica Adele. “A healthier community is not only physically active, but also civically active in meeting the concerns of the community.” Two major concerns for the region are the obesity and diabetes statistics. Solano County has the highest rate of adult diabetes in California at 9.8%, while Napa obesity statistics outrank the nine bay area counties, according to recent study conducted by UCLA Center for Health Policy & Research. “SOFITCITY is just one part of a grand community initiative to change these numbers,” says Adele. No easy task, the SOFTICTY event is bolstered with the support of several organizations and all three healthcare providers including Sutter Health, NorthBay Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente.
“SOFITCITY was so much fun last year,” said Dilenna Harris, Kaiser Permanente Public Affairs Manager. “And we are proud to support the SOFITCITY mission to build a fitter Solano. We believe community-partnerships are the essence of a fitter community, and SOFITCITY is one of many local prevention-driven programs that we support.” New this year is an Armed Services Challenge, Police versus Fire Department Challenge, a Mayor’s Cup award and a costume contest. In addition to live music, 5K and 10K Finishers can look forward to finisher medals at the conclusion of the race. Sutter Health is sponsoring the Health & Fitness expo at the event, while NorthBay Healthcare is honoring new runners with finisher medals. "We understand how daunting a first timed event can be," says Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation. "By celebrating new runners and walkers in their first 5K, we hope to motivate residents everywhere to even greater health and fitness success."
Fleet Feet Vacaville is providing a beginners runners course and several prizes, while other sponsors like the Salvation Army Kroc Center are sponsoring a massive kid zone play area.“What’s great about this concept is that it’s inclusive,” says race director, Todd Rewick. “It’s a party for folks who like live music and dancing, it’s a kid’s event for children fundraising for their schools, and it’s a championship event for runners here for the medal or seeking a title.” Funds raised from registration benefit the Solano County Library Foundation and other area nonprofits that promote fit minds and fit bodies for a fitter community. Who will win the title for 2013 fittest city? Well, the city that puts their best foot forward. See you there!
For more information on this year's event, visit WWW.SOFITCITY.COM
