Elk Grove holds annual race to raise money for youth sports this weekend. Here’s what to know
Kaiser Permanente is hosting its 13th annual “Running of the Elk” fundraiser this weekend, inviting runners of all skill levels to Elk Grove for some exercise and fun.
The family-friendly event will consist of three separate events set to take place Sunday at District 56, 8230 Civic Center Drive.
The Running of the Elk will include a 5K run, a 10K run and a kids fun run. All races are “stroller-friendly,” according to the event’s website.
The races are separated into different age groups as well. The kids fun runs are for children age 12 and under. The kids races are non-competitive and untimed.
Children between the ages 7 and 12 will run a half-mile, and those age 6 and under will run a quarter-mile. All participants, according to the event’s website, will receive a short sleeve T-shirt. Those who complete the route will get a medal.
The races are set to begin Sunday at 8 a.m. beginning with the kids fun runs, followed by the 5K and 10K runs starting at 8:30 a.m.
Each registered participant will receive a light breakfast, a moisture absorbent T-shirt, a participation medal, post-race entertainment and free photo downloads, according to the event website.
There will be other forms of entertainment such as games and vendor booths for spectators and supporters.
There will be elk-themed awards presented to the top three winners from the various age groups. Male and female winners of the Running of the Elk 5K race will earn special prizes, according to their website.
Registration is available online at www.runningofthelk.com. The sign-up price for adults is $47, youth are $37 and $20 for kids participating in the fun run.
Registered participants can retrieve their race information packets between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday at Fleet Feet Elk Grove, 7460 Elk Grove Blvd.
Packets can also be picked up at the event site at 7 a.m. Sunday.
According to its website, the 13th annual Kaiser Permanente Running of the Elk directs its proceeds to the nonprofit Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation, in an effort to ensure children in Elk Grove have an equal opportunity to get involved in sports.
Traffic advisory in Elk Grove
In a news release, the city announced there will be street closures from 7 a.m. until noon for runners, joggers and walkers participating in the Running of the Elk event Sunday.
The following streets will be closed off to motorists during the event:
▪ Civic Center Drive will be closed from Big Horn Boulevard to Laguna Springs Drive.
▪ Northbound Big Horn Boulevard will be closed from Whitelock Parkway to Lotz Parkway
▪ Both directions of Laguna Springs Drive between Elk Grove Boulevard and Lotz Parkway will be closed. During the closure, a police escort will guide Allen Ranch residents along Laguna Springs Drive between Elk Grove Boulevard and the entrance to the neighborhood.
▪ Auto Center Drive and roads traveling through the Elk Grove Auto Mall will be closed from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
▪ Whitelock Parkway will be closed to traffic from West Stockton Boulevard to Lotz Parkway. Vehicle traffic will be allowed to travel in both directions on Whitelock Parkway, west of Lotz Parkway.
▪ Northbound Promenade Parkway will be closed from Kyler Road to Whitelock Parkway. Residential traffic will be permitted on Promenade Parkway.
▪ Lotz Parkway between Whitelock Parkway and Big Horn Boulevard will be closed.
There will be detours available on Bruceville Road for motorists heading north or south. Drivers going east or west are encouraged to use Elk Grove Boulevard and Kammerer Road.