Run features 5k, 10-mile and one-mile courses
The Credit Union SACTOWN Run celebrates its sixth anniversary by adding a 5k run to its slate of events. In addition to the 5k, the event features a 10-mile run and the UC Davis Children’s Hospital Miracle Mile, a fun one-mile event open to participants of all ages.
The race, organized by the Sacramento Running Association and sponsored by local credit unions, is set for April 3. The event helps raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which includes Sacramento’s UC Davis Children’s Hospital. The SACTOWN event emulates the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run held in Washington, D.C. on the same day.
Credit Unions for Kids is the brand under which America’s credit unions and affiliated organizations fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. To date, credit unions have raised more than $100 million since the introduction of the CU4Kids program back in 1996.
“The Credit Union SACTOWN event is one of the most unique running events in California because of its place as a part of the “family” of races that take place internationally on April 3rd that together have raised nearly $7 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” SRA Executive Director Scott Abbott said.
“As Sacramento’s only local non-profit organization committed to the sport of running, the SRA is proud to put on this event that is part of such a magnanimous cause spearheaded by the philanthropic efforts of the Credit Unions for Kids.”
Abbott said adding a five-kilometer race that expands the line-up of events makes the SACTOWN event more accessible to runners and increases the chances of raising more money to help children.
“The new 5k race features the best that the 10-mile route has to offer – two Tower Bridge crossings, Raley Field, a finish in the shadow of the State Capitol – in a more beginner-friendly distance,” added Race Director Eli Asch.
“The 10-mile race will again feature a strong field of local and national elites competing for a $15,000 prize purse on a two-loop course.
“The course, while very similar to last year’s, has seen some minor changes to make it flatter and faster for serious runners chasing top times and PRs.”
The SACTOWN 5k run begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 10-mile race begins at 8:40 a.m. The UC Davis Children’s Hospital Miracle Mile is set for 7:30 a.m.
“The 10-mile course was built to allow for great spectator engagement by allowing spectators, as well as the 5k and one-mile finishers, a chance to watch some of the world’s best distance runners in action in the 10-mile championship event,” Abbott said.
“The course was also built to incorporate the iconic Tower Bridge as well as a spectacular final half mile finish down the Capitol Mall towards the State Capitol building.”
For the second year in a row, the Credit Union SACTOWN Run will be one of the targeted events of The TODAY Show and KCRA TV’s health-focused Run for TODAY project. The Run for TODAY project is a collaboration between The TODAY Show and KCRA TV to encourage men and women across the country to run in a local race this spring.
Registration is available at www.runsactown.org. Cost for the 5k is $35 online through March 16, $40 from March 17-April 1 and $45 from April 2-3. The 10-miler costs $55 online through March 16, $60 from March 17-April 1 and $65 from April 2-3.
The Miracle Mile is free to kids 12 and under until April 2 and $10 at packet pickup and on race day. The cost for adults is $10 until April 2 and $15 on race day.
The SACTOWN Run continues the 2016 Buzz Oates Run SAC Series, a yearlong competition for area runners of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit www.runsacraceseries.com.
The 5k race includes the Credit Union Team competition, with the lowest combined time for all three team members determining the winner.
The event serves as USA Track & Field’s Pacific Association Ten-Mile Championship.
“All of these elements solidify SACTOWN’s place as northern California’s premier spring event,” said Asch.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is an affiliation of children’s hospitals throughout the country. Each year these non-profit hospitals provide state-of-the-art care, cutting edge research and preventative health education.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals treat more than 17 million patients each year, including 98 percent of all children needing heart or lung transplants and 88 percent of all children with cancer.
The Sacramento Running Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to encourage people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA is committed to developing new, quality running events that appeal to a broad variety of runners.
Other SRA events include the Gold Rush 50k on May 14, the 34th annual California International Marathon on Dec. 4 and the recently concluded Super Sunday Run.
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