Kaiser Permanente, Lucky Rabbit Events, and the Solano Town Center present this year’s SOFITCITY 5K & 10K, the county-wide walk/run/party that welcomes every city in the county to compete for the largest number of finishers, and the distinction of ‘Solano’s fittest city.’ The event takes place in Fairfield near the Solano Mall, and includes a one-mile family walk and a fitness expo to encourage healthy fun for residents of all ages.
While every runner gets an official time, this competition is “not about speed,” says event manager O. Johnson. “This is about having the courage to start, supporting each other to the finish, and sharing this moment with friends along the way.”
The winning city earns what’s been dubbed the ‘People’s Trophy,’ while city councils and county supervisors compete for the Mayor’s Cup. Every new runner at SOFITCITY receives a commemorative medal, and every returner gets a custom alumni pin to decorate their original ribbon. Challenges for military, fire, and police departments add to the fun.
“This year, we’ve also launched an ambassador pin alongside a city ambassador program on Instagram,” says event coordinator Elicia Stewart. “There are so many fitness successes out there; we wanted to recognize those that inspire others.”
Solano is just the beginning for SOFITCITY. Each year, national magazines rank cities for health and fitness on a variety of macro metrics. Organizers of SOFITCITY say civic engagement and participation is the most important metric, and one that is largely ignored. They have created SOFITCITY (#SFCDAY) as an annual day for residents to change the long term health of their city by voting with their feet.
Currently, Solano County tops the charts for diabetes in the state. Organizers say the portal www.SFCDAY.com, and the pending app, will allow residents of any state to run with their town in support of a healthier city and nation. In time, SOFITCITY hopes to pioneer a new city ranking based solely on the number of people that participate on the day. “It’s the most democratic vote ever because every single finisher counts,” said Johnson. “Our goal is to build healthier cities by medaling every resident in the county.”
While usual rates apply for race perks, participants can pledge to walk or run for free at www.SFCDAY.com.
“We love the idea of SFC DAY,” says Alan Kerzin, Executive Director of the Children’s Network. “It encourages everyone to participate, regardless of age, income, culture, health, or location in the county. It is truly an inclusive event.”
“If everybody walked or ran, we would not only have one incredible fitness party,” says Race Manager, Todd Rewick, “but we could literally make our county the fittest in the nation. Let’s show California how strong we can be.”
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- The logo
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- The date
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- Fast start
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- Here we go
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- Hand in hand
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- Fun run
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- I am going to do it
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- Keeping pace
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- Running
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- All done
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- At the end
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- Finishers
Funds raised by SOFITCITY benefit local non-profits like the Matt Garcia Youth Center and the Children’s Network. For expo or race information, email info@SOFITCITY.com. Use discount code: LHMag to register online at www.SOFITCITY.com.
