Fifth Annual Mission Hills 5k Run/Walk Returns Saturday, March 21st
Fun run through historic San Diego neighborhood to support STEAM programs at Grant K-8
For the fifth consecutive year, the annual Mission Hills 5k will return at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 21. Promising fun for the whole family, this run/walk will wind through the scenic, historic neighborhood of Mission Hills, beginning and ending at Grant K-8 (1425 Washington Place). Runners of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to register at www.missionhills5k.com.
All proceeds will help fund Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) programs at Grant K-8. Thanks to an enthusiastic response from the local community each year, the Mission Hills 5k has already raised more than $75,000 for our local public school, funding a new coding, robotics, engineering and design elective for middle schoolers, continuing education for science teachers, microscopes and discovery scopes, materials for Family Science Night, the launch of the new Lego robotics team, 3D printers, a laser cutter and more.
This year’s event is already off to a running start, with planners anticipating up to 1000 participants. Local businesses and community leaders have once again gone above and beyond to make this event possible, with The Lombardi Team taking the lead as a returning Platinum Sponsor.
Other local businesses generously supporting the race at the Gold, Silver and Bronze levels include US Bank, Fort Oak, Brad Sund State Farm, Cane Real Estate, Professional Maintenance Systems, Chism Brothers Painting, Heartwork Coffee and Mission: Fit. Businesses can learn more about sponsoring the event and gaining valuable marketing exposure by emailing info@missionhills5k.com.
“I, along with the entire Grant K-8 community, continue to be grateful for and inspired by our community’s overwhelming support of the Mission Hills 5k,” says Linda Kennedy, president of the Grant School Community Foundation. “It’s been amazing this year to see our long-envisioned dream of a coding elective for our middle schoolers come to life. We have our Mission Hills 5k sponsors, volunteers and participants to thank for this achievement, and look forward to many more STEAM advancements to come.”
For this year’s annual event, organizers are working hand-in-hand with city event planners to ensure that the route provides maximum accessibility for residents, visitors and emergency responders. Advisory/no parking signs will be placed along the route two weeks before the event, and race volunteers will place door hanger reminders at every home along the route.
A special addition to this year’s run will be the participation of running pairs representing Team Hoyt’s San Diego chapter, which is dedicated to providing mobility for physically challenged individuals.
“Our family has participated in the event since its inception, and I am delighted to now be a part of the committee,” says Tracey Lilly, this year’s race director. “We continue to see the positive impact this event has on the community not only by supporting our local public school, but also by celebrating health and wellness, promoting the inclusion of all, and supporting our young neighbors in their academic strides.”
Entry fees are $35/adult and $25/child, which includes a Mission Hills 5k t-shirt and medal for all registrants 15 and under. A limited number of registrations will be available the morning of the race for $45/adult and $35/child, though t-shirts are not guaranteed for registrations after March 19. Participants are encouraged to form teams to add to the friendly competition and fun-filled spirit of the event. To register individually or form a team (or join a team that has already been created), log on to www.missionhills5k.com.
Race packet pick-up will be held at Moon & Sun Studio (1615 West Lewis) on Friday, March 20. Post-race festivities will include activities, refreshments, music and giveaways on the blacktop at Grant K-8. More details will be announced in the weeks ahead. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date.
Category: Education, Events, feature, Health & Fitness, Local News
