Kaiser Permanente to sponsor third Carmel Valley 5K

The Carmel Valley 5K Race Committee announced that for the third year in a row, Kaiser Permanente will be the title sponsor for the annual 5K road race, taking place at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 24, 2016.

The Kaiser Permanente Carmel Valley 5K & Fun Run raises money for 23 schools in the Carmel Valley area, as well as the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Since 2012, the race has raised more than $100,00 for area schools and other local charities.

“What a great way to start off 2016 by getting out and getting active,” said Jane Finley, senior vice president and executive director for Kaiser Permanente San Diego. “At Kaiser Permanente, we are thrilled to support programs that create healthy communities and foster healthy lifestyles.”

The race features a brand-new course for the 5K, which will begin and end in the new Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch shopping center. Participants will run along the beautiful Manzanita trail, and the course is mixed with paved and trail running, splashed with some rolling hills.

“We are confident the runners will fall in love with this course,” said race director and founder Katie Wilsey.

The Carmel Valley 5K also offers a Fun Run, which allows both kids and parents to participate in a one-mile noncompetitive run.

A family-friendly post party and expo will be held from 8-11 a.m. at The Village including a variety of over 25 expo booths, the Kaiser Health mobile van, live music, jumpies, food, awards and other entertainment.

“Kaiser has been such an avid supporter of Health and Fitness in the San Diego community, we are so excited to welcome them to Carmel Valley and partner with them,” Wilsey said. “This is a race for everyone, from fast elite runners to beginner runners participating in their first race.”

Early bird pricing ends Oct. 15. To register, visit carmelvalley5K.com.