ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Despite some slightly uncooperative weather, Kaiser Permanente’s 14th Annual Running of the Elk took place without any issue, drawing runners, families and supporters to District56 on Sunday, March 30. 

The event, which featured 5K and 10K races along with a Kids’ Fun Run, aimed to promote health and wellness while raising funds for the Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation.

The nonprofit organization helps provide financial assistance to local children who might not otherwise be able to participate in youth sports. Jay Robinson, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and South Sacramento, emphasized the importance of the cause.

“We’ve been involved with Running of the Elk since its first year because we believe in improving the health of the community we serve,” Robinson said. “It’s an honor to give young athletes the help they need to play in local sports and school leagues, and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.”

While the rain and wind created some challenges, participants remained in high spirits, according to Gary Davis, president of the Elk Grove Youth Foundation Board of Directors.

“Rain and wind make perfect running weather, so it’s been a great day,” Davis said. “What you see here—tents blowing around, rain getting people wet—it’s not going to stop us from having a good time.”

The event, which began with packet pickup and registration at 7 a.m., kicked off with the Kids’ Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K and 10K races at 8:30 a.m. Runners started and finished at District56 on Civic Center Drive, receiving commemorative finisher medals and moisture-wicking event shirts. Post-race festivities included pancakes, fresh fruit, games and vendor booths.

The event also required several road closures in the area, with portions of Civic Center Drive, Big Horn Boulevard and Laguna Springs Drive closed for the duration of the race.

According to the event website, Lawrence Tsai of Davis finished first in the 5K at 17 minutes and 28 seconds. Anthony Cortes of Petaluma earned the first-place medal for the 10K with a 33-minute-and-59-second finish.  

For women, Angelica Cross of Sutter Creek finished first in the 10K with a time of 49 minutes, while Jeana Takahashi finished first in the 5K with a 21 minute and 4 second chip time.  

Dr. Erik Hofmann, a Kaiser Permanente emergency room physician and director of the event’s medical team, highlighted the importance of the community-driven event.

“It’s all about health and wellness,” Hofmann said. “I think being outside of the hospital and out in the community for an event like this promotes health and wellness, and that is the most important thing for families, kids and adults. We love doing this.”

Debra Wood, an Elk Grove resident and 5K participant, said her child participates in local youth sports and was excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community by running the race. 

“It’s a way to give back for those who can’t fully afford it,” Wood said. “A lot of the coaches, they are not paid, so it’s a way to give back and make sure our kids can play sports no matter what.”