Native American Health Center –Running Is My High

Over 400 runners and walkers joined together on Saturday, March 9 at the Native American Health Center’s (NAHC) 12^th annual “Running is My High” 5K and 10K event.  This year’s theme, With all our Powers Combined, motivated participants of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a day of fun, fitness and friendship.

In addition to the race there was a vibrant display of Aztec tribal dancing, booth visits, honoring of elders and children, and a healthy vegan meal to finish things off. Hundreds of people gathered to visit booths and cheer on their community.  Booths offered activities related to promoting a healthy mind, body, spirit, and environment.

The consistent focus on health and wellness is important in the Native American community because it faces the highest rates of lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. With the tripling of childhood obesity rates in the past thirty years, it was moving to see so many children running their first race and proudly accepting their awards at the finish line.

Asian Health Services – 2013 Oakland Running Festival

On Sunday, March 24th, Asian Health Services (AHS) joined over 9000 participants at the 2013 Oakland Running Festival.  As an Official Charity Partner, Team AHSome was running to raise funds for the Capital Campaign for their New Clinic expansion at 835 Webster and to increase awareness of Asian Health Services’ programs to the greater Oakland community.  According to team captain Dr. Susan Lo, “At AHS, we work here to promote health, not just treat disease.  We wanted to show our community we not only talk the talk, but walk the walk too!” Forty-five AHS staff and friends (including CHCN’s own Karen Matsuoka) participated in the 5K, Half-Marathon and Marathon and collected pledges on behalf of their efforts.  When they finished their races a group of them took inspirational signs and cheered on other runners.  Another 25 AHS staff volunteered to prepare drinks and snacks for runners, supervised the Kids Fun Run, and helped manage crowd control.

Not only did all of Team AHSome have a great time at the Oakland Running Festival, they raised over $10,000 for the New Clinic Capital Campaign!

Axis Community Health – April Fools 5K Walk/Run

On Sunday, April 7^th, Axis Community Health (Axis) hosted their first April Fools 5K Walk/Run in Pleasanton’s business park. Axis’ tagline for the race was “Because laughter is the best medicine” and the race organizers worked hard to make sure that this was a fun run! Participants were encouraged to dress in costume for the chance to win prizes, vendor booths passed out goodie bags, and there was a raffle as well.

Over 400 community members participated in the event, 332 walkers/runners and 75 volunteers, raising over $20,000 for medical care for low-income and uninsured families in the Tri-Valley area. Proceeds will support immunizations and check-ups for children, prenatal visits for expectant moms, and chronic disease care for people with asthma, diabetes, hypertension and other illnesses. Due to the huge success of this event Axis is already planning for next year’s race.