SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The annual Credit Union SACTOWN Run drew more than 1,700 participants on Sunday, raising $208,000 for 11 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and supporting pediatric medical care across California and Nevada.
The April 12 event, held on Capitol Mall near the California State Capitol, included a Road-Mile Run, a 5K Run/Walk and a Community Mile. More than 630 credit union employees and members from across the two states took part.
“The Credit Union SACTOWN Run is a celebration of health, community, and hope,” Jeremy Empol, president and CEO of California and Nevada’s Credit Unions, said in a statement. “Seeing the credit union community come together near the steps of the state capitol to support kids across both states is an inspiring reminder of what credit unions can achieve when we run with a mission and purpose.”
Event chair John Pamer, CEO of Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, pointed to challenging weather conditions as evidence of participants’ commitment.
“The fact that over 1,300 finishers — plus many more spectators and volunteers — braved the chilly downpours and threat of thunderstorms is a testament to credit unions’ commitment to our communities,” Pamer said, adding the group was “thrilled” with both turnout and fundraising results.
The Winners
The race was hosted by the Sacramento Running Association, a nonprofit that promotes running in the region and organizes the California International Marathon. The SACTOWN Run is part of its RunSac Race Series of 10 events.
Race champions and results included:
- Road-Mile Run (men): Kasey Knevelbaard of Flagstaff, Ariz., with a time of 4:08
- Road-Mile Run (women): Claire Yerby of Montara, Calif., with a time of 4:43
- 5K Run/Walk (men): Seth Totten of Fair Oaks, Calif., in 15:24 (4:57 per mile)
- 5K Run/Walk (women): Kristi Capello of Carmichael, Calif., in 18:24 (5:55 per mile)
Two new competitions were introduced this year:
- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union won “fastest credit union,” based on the average of its top three runners
- Velera’s Eric Campe was named fastest credit union business partner
Participation from the credit union sector included runners, walkers and fundraisers representing 31 credit unions across California and Nevada.
The Sponsors
Sponsors were recognized across multiple tiers:
- Superhero sponsors: California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions and Velera
- Hero sponsors: First Tech Federal Credit Union, Golden 1 Credit Union, Monterra Credit Union, Patelco Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Travis Credit Union
- Champion sponsors: California Credit Union, Operating Engineers Credit Union, Origence, Redwood Credit Union, SAFE Credit Union and Valley Strong Credit Union
- Buddies sponsors: LBS Financial Credit Union and WithGlide
- Friends sponsors: Catalyst, Eagle Community Credit Union, Envisant, First US Community Credit Union, Fiserv, Frontwave Credit Union, Sacramento Credit Union and Upward Credit Union
- Pals sponsors: Credit Union of Southern California, Credit Union Solutions Group, CU*Northwest, Delta Schools Federal Credit Union, Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union, Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, Kaiperm Credit Union, Keypoint Credit Union, Organized Labor Credit Union, SMW 104 Federal Credit Union, South Bay Credit Union, UNCLE Credit Union, USC Credit Union and Wescom Credit Union
- Recognition sponsors: Antioch Community Federal Credit Union and Infineo (LifeNotes)
The ‘Champion’
The event also highlighted Annabelle Lee, named this year’s Children’s Miracle Network “Champion” for UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Organizers said her story reflects the impact of care provided through funds raised by events like the SACTOWN Run.
“The annual Credit Union SACTOWN Run is for kids like Annabelle and so many others across California and Nevada,” organizers said.
