5k on the Beach in Solana Beach to Prevent Diabetes

Champions for Health, a local nonprofit foundation, will present its 3rd annual Solana Beach Sunset 5k run-walk, a fundraiser for diabetes prevention, starting at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at Fletcher Cove Park 111 South Sierra Ave., Solana Beach.

The fundraiser is billed as San Diego’s only sunset 5k on the beach at low tide. Organizers expect about 900 people will participate. Onsite registration on event day will begin at 3 p.m. A Wellness Expo also opens at 3 p.m. Registration costs are $45 for individuals, $25 for children under age 15, $100 for four family members and $1,000 for team of 25 participants.

“We’re encouraging everyone to meet us at the beach as we run or walk along the sand, soak in the gorgeous views and raise funds for diabetes prevention,” said Barbara Mandel, CEO, Champions for Health.

Proceeds will benefit Jump Start for Health, a Champions for Health program designed to prevent diabetes among at-risk adults in San Diego County. Champions for Health, formerly known as the San Diego County Medical Society, operates numerous health promotion programs in San Diego County.

For registration and event information, visit www.SB5k.org, or contact Kylene Cummings, kylene.cummings@ChampionsFH.org.

In addition to the 5k on the beach, the event will tech t-shirts, sponsor goodies and finisher medals. Free snacks and beverages will be provided to participants, plus live music, children’s games, and a festive finish line celebration. Performing will be the 760 Union Band.

“We will be celebrating the launch of Jump Start for Health groups in the community,” said Mandel. “Participants are encouraged to involve friends and family in fundraising for diabetes prevention, and opportunity drawings will be offered throughout the fundraising period.”

Fletcher Cove, a small, sandy beach at the intersection of South Sierra Avenue and Plaza Street, is called the “Pillbox” by locals because of its history as a World War II gunnery installation. No pooches or alcohol are allowed on the beach. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and kayaking. Restroom facilities, picnic tables, playground and a basketball court are located nearby.

Parking is available at several nearby parking lots, including: Transit Center, 106 North Cedros Ave.; The Distillery, 140 South Sierra Ave.; Plaza Street Parking Lot, 116 North Highway 101.

Sponsors for the Champions for Health’s Solana Beach Sunset 5k run-walk include The Doctors Company and The Doctors Insurance Agency, County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency’s Live Well San Diego, Tri-City Medical Center, Northgate Market, California Coast Credit Union, San Diego County Medical Society, First 5 San Diego, Skinny Gene Project, City of Solana Beach, The Brighter Side Boutique, Solana Beach Executive Plaza, T&M Mechanical Sales, Farm Fresh To You, Coastal Roots Farm, Smart & Final, Lara Bars, Movin’ Shoes, WANU Water, Architectural Interior Resource, Juice Wave and Colonial Life. KUSI-NEWS, Ranch & Coast Magazine, KPBS and Giving Back Magazine have signed on as a media sponsors.

Founded in 2005, Champions for Health offers several health improvement and prevention initiatives that improve community health and wellness, access to care for all and support for physicians through engaged volunteerism. Its flagship program, Project Access San Diego, links volunteer specialist doctors with uninsured people who need healthcare services and cannot afford specialty surgeries. Other Champions for Health programs include free screenings for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and high blood pressure, along with flu immunizations, a speakers bureau and scholarships for medical students and residents planning to care for the medically underserved. For more information, visit www.ChampionsForHealth.org.

Image via Champions for Health, Facebook