NOT JUST FOR RUNNERS - 5K | 1-Mile | Health Fair 2024

“Not Just For Runners” (NJ4R) is a community event for all ages and physical abilities, that will be held at Garcia Bend Park in South Sacramento on May 4, 2024.  After a successful first year, NJ4R is now the marquee event for Elevated Health and Community (EH&C), an emerging nonprofit organization with the mission to revolutionize health equity solutions for historically marginalized communities by offering workshops and events that enhance mental and physical health, bolster overall well-being and provide safe outdoor experiences.

The NJ4R community health equity and diversity event will include a 5K and 1-mile walk/jog/run, along with a health fair. The health fair will include sponsor and vendor tables, free community classes offered by local health, fitness and wellness service providers, along with art activities as a means of stress release and enjoyment. The event was created to bolster physical and mental health in underserved communities and those identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). As athletic event planners and health service providers often do not cater to the specific needs of BIPOC communities, this event will serve as a means to provide a safe, inclusive and informative opportunity for residents, businesses and service providers to build community through health equity. In addition to serving the community directly,  “Not Just For Runners” will collaborate with organizations whose work and/or initiatives promote health equity for underserved and underrepresented communities and redefine what health equity looks like in our communities. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024 NJ4R 5K/1-MILE EVENT 

During our fundraising, we will recruit leads and volunteers for our event teams, identify sponsorship opportunities and work with our event sponsors and community partners to finalize event details and execution. Funds raised for this campaign will directly support the production and execution of the event and be used to pay for the administrative, equipment, personnel and operational costs associated with the event. In addition, funding will support community engagement sessions (i.e. virtual or in-person workshops, Couch to 5K training, nutritional guidance, injury prevention, etc.) which will be held leading up to the event.

Communities that identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) are often overlooked and underserved when it comes to 5K/1-Mile run-walk events and health resources. As a result of this dynamic, physical and mental health events, resources and information are unknown and unutilized by our communities, thus widening the health equity gap. This event will provide an opportunity for a health-driven community-building activity that refutes the idea that only runners and athletes can or want to participate in healthy, outdoor events. “Not Just For Runners” will provide members of Sacramento communities with exposure to health and wellness resources, while allowing healthcare providers and community partners to bolster health equity, promote self-care through the arts and directly engage with and support marginalized and BIPOC community members, businesses and organizations.