Whether you are a serious runner or a leisurely walker, all are welcome at the 7th Annual Loop the Lagoon 5k and 10k event, to be held May 1 at Lagoon Valley Park.
The Vacaville Public Education Foundation (VPEF) will again host this run/walk event for participants of all ages, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the day’s events will be used by VPEF to continue important programs benefitting all students of the Vacaville Unified School District (VUSD). Over the years, Loop the Lagoon has become a popular way for serious runners as well as local residents to join in a healthy activity that benefits a worthy cause.
Loop the Lagoon includes a 5k (3.1 miles), a 10k, a two-mile walk, a Kids’ Run and the infamous Tower Challenge, which is a road-and-trail course that boasts a 730-foot elevation gain.
This year, in a creative effort to mitigate the looming VUSD budget crisis, event organizers have added a new twist. A 5k Team Challenge invites local businesses, service groups, families and friends to make a difference for local education by entering the event as teams. “Many businesses see real value in safeguarding the quality of education. They want to help offset the budget deficit, but are struggling to give cash in this economy. The 5k Team Challenge give groups a way to pitch in, raise money for schools and have a great time doing it. It has been fun to see groups get so excited about participating this year,” reports VPEF President Catherine Podkin.
The largest group to participate in this year’s Loop wins a $500 Classroom Enrichment Grant. The grant, to be determined by VPEF, will be donated to a Vacaville classroom in the team’s name. Each team must have a minimum of three participants, and run in the 5k race. Groups will be timed and scored to determine the team’s overall place. Members may enter other events, however only the 5k event will be recorded for team placement.
Entry fees for the 5k Team Challenge are $30 per adult team member, and $15 per child age 18 and under. Entry forms are also available online at www.vpef.org or at Fleet Feet, 354 Merchant Street, Vacaville. Forms for each team member must be postmarked by April 26, 2010, or submitted in person to Fleet Feet by April 30, 2010. Register early at www.vpef.org by April 18 and save $5. No team registration on race day is available.
Individuals may also choose to enter any one of the Loop events. Individual race fees range from $15 to $30, depending on age and date of registration. Participants receive a t-shirt (while supplies last) and a race bib. Entry forms for individuals can also be downloaded from www.vpef.org.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. on the morning of the race. In addition to the races, there will be entertainment, food and a kid’s expo.
Lagoon Valley Park is located off the Pena Adobe exit from I-80, and participants are encouraged to arrive early for parking.
For more information, call (707) 449-9266