River Run for Youth Wrap Up
Last Saturday, I ran the River Run for Youth in West Sacramento. I wanted to circle back and report on what a great time I had at the race, and give a little bit more about its beneficiary, Collings Teen Center.
I asked Gary Fox, executive director of Campus Life Connection (the non-profit organization that administrates Collings Teen Center) for some more information about the center itself and about how the idea for the River Run for Youth began.
Cavegrrl:
Can you tell me a little more about the services Collings Teen Center provides?
Gary Fox:
The Teen Center offers afterschool options including: tutoring, recreation, field trips, camps, competition, free afternoon meal and service projects. The age for the teen center participants is middle school through high school. The program is for any young person in the West Sacramento area and it is free.
Cavegrrl:
How did the idea of a 5K come to mind as a fundraiser?
Gary Fox:
The idea started with a group of people who wanted to do something to support the center and the next steps included talking to several people who have been doing runs to find out how to put one together, who should we talk to about managing the event and helping with logistics, where should we hold it and who should we talk to about participating.
Cavegrrl:
How did you get Capital Road Race Management and Fleet Feet involved with the race?
Gary Fox:
Both groups have been very helpful and responded with coaching and ideas when we approached them to do a run.
Cavegrrl:
Are you hoping to make the race an annual event?
Gary Fox:
We are planning our next year’s event now, having learned so much from this first year we are excited about the possibilities for the next one.
Cavegrrl:
Besides running the race, how can people donate to Collings Teen Center? Also, do you take volunteers?
Gary Fox:
We encourage people to visit and see what is going on and how the program impacts young people, we accept donation of cash, but we also accept food, clothing and other items as needs arise. We are always looking for volunteers who will be consistent and build relationships with young people.
Thanks, Gary!
I mentioned that I ran in the race (3.1 miles) as one leg of 11.25 miles I ended up running that day. I finished 2nd in my division (30-39) and took home a nice glass tumbler and medal for it 🙂 Below is my Garmin readout from the race with a map of the course.
Speaking of the course, I will say it’s a not a flat one. There are some hills in there. And if you’re a good cross country runner, you would really like it, as only about 1.5 miles of the race are on paved roads. The rest is gravel and dirt. 🙂 And you finish right on the baseball field, which is again, dirt. 🙂 Below are my official results:
Here’s the link to the rest of the official race results: CLICK HERE
If you have the chance, come out and run with us next year!
The Collings Teen Center invests in the lives of young people in the West Sacramento Community. Our purpose is to Embrace, Engage and Empower.
Designed to be a safe place where young people will always feel welcomed to hangout after school, a place where computers, basketball, games and activities are blended with tutoring, community service, educational seminars, and trips outside the area, job training and connection to men and women who are leaders in the community.
Young people need caring adults in their lives that will be a positive influence, listen to their issues, encourage good decisions, and celebrate their successes.
You can follow the River Run for Youth on twitter here and find them on Facebook here.
Raley’s Presents River Run for Youth 5K Run/Walk on Sat, Sept. 20, 2014 at 8:30am!
The 1st Annual River Run for Youth sponsored by Raley’s will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Raley Field, West Sacramento, California. The event includes a timed and untimed 5K Run/Walk and a FREE ¼ Mile Kids Race. Stick around after the main event if your child wants a chance to run the bases!
Race Beneficiaries
The River Run for Youth benefits Collings Teen Center.
A non-profit organization investing in the lives of young people in the West Sacramento Community whose purpose is to Embrace, Engage and Empower.
Race Features
Cotton T- shirts (click here to view the race shirt); Scenic river course finishing inside Raley Field; Timing by Capital Road Race Management; Ideal weather; Delicious post-race food and access to the Raley Field Kids’ Corner.
A chance for any child who wants to run the bases will take place after the main event!
All participants in the Kids’ Race will receive a finisher’s medal. Race shirts are not available for the Free Kids’ Race.
There will be an awards ceremony at appx. 9:30am.
Start Times
¼ mile Kids race (10 & under): 8:00 am
5k Run/Walk: 8:30am
Please arrive early allowing plenty of time before your race start.
Walkers and strollers will start at the back of the timed participants.
Sorry, No Refunds
Register online. CLICK HERE
Race Day Registration
You will be able to register on Race Day starting at 7:00 am.
On Site Registration & Packet Pickup
You can register and/or pick up your race packet on Friday (9/19) from 10am to 7pm at the Collings Teen Center and on Race Day.
NOTE: Pre-registered participants may also pick up their race packets on Race Day starting at 7:00am.
Race Timing
Timing will be provided by Capital Road Race Management.
Awards
All participants in the ¼ mile Kids Race will receive completion medals.
Trophies will be given to the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers of the 5K. Awards will be given out to the top 3 finishers in each age division of the 5K.
Age Divisions
12 and under, 13-18, 19-29, 30–39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Awards will not be mailed so please listen for your name at the award ceremony approximately one hour after the start of the 5K race, if you think you finished in the top three in your age group. If you fail to pick up your award on race day, you can pick up your award at Collings Teen Center. Please call the Teen Center to coordinate a time to pick up your award.
Time Limits
¼ mile Kids Race: 20 minutes
5k runners/walkers will have a ONE – hour time limit to complete the course.
Water Stations
There will be one water station at the halfway point (appx.) of the 5K. The water station will be supported by local volunteers and will include water and a sports drink.
Driving Directions
Raley Field is located at 400 Ballpark Drive, just west of Old Sacramento and the Sacramento River.
BUSINESS 80 WESTBOUND/US 50 WESTBOUND
Folsom, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, etc.)
Business 80 West to Jefferson Blvd/Fifth St. Exit
Keep Right to exit at Fifth St.
I-80 EASTBOUND
Interstate 80 Eastbound to Capital City Freeway (Bus. 80/US – 50) to South Lake Tahoe.
Exit Jefferson Blvd./Downtown Sacramento.
Keep to the Left and take the Downtown Sacramento exit.
Turn Right on Fifth St.
1-5 NORTHBOUND
Interstate 5 Northbound to Business 80/US – 50 Westbound toward San Francisco
Exit at Jefferson Blvd./Fifth St.
Keep Right to exit Fifth St.
1-5 SOUTHBOUND
Interstate 5 Southbound to Hwy 50/I-80 Westbound
Exit at Jefferson Blvd./Fifth St.
Keep Right to exit Fifth.
Parking
Please click on the link below to view the parking map at Raley Field.
5K Course
Start Line – On 5th St. at Raley Field between Tower Bridge Gateway and Ballpark Dr;
Mile 1– On Lighthouse Dr.; between Watercolor Ln and Marina Wy
Mile 1.5 (appx) – water station
Mile 2– Located on the River Walk; between the Pers. Building and the Pyramid Building
Mile 3 – Located on the warning track at Raley Field; SE of the centerfield gate.
Finish Line – Inside Raley Field!!
Certified 5k
The River Run for Youth 5k is distance-certified by Fleet Feet Sports. Official race timing by Capital Road Race Management.
The Collings Teen Center invests in the lives of young people in the West Sacramento Community. Our purpose is to Embrace, Engage and Empower.
Designed to be a safe place where young people will always feel welcomed to hangout after school, a place where computers, basketball, games and activities are blended with tutoring, community service, educational seminars, and trips outside the area, job training and connection to men and women who are leaders in the community.
Young people need caring adults in their lives that will be a positive influence, listen to their issues, encourage good decisions, and celebrate their successes.
You can follow the River Run for Youth on twitter here and find them on Facebook here. Hope to see you on Saturday! 🙂
cavegrrl.com 
