By Francisco Portillo
The 27th Annual Aztlan 5K Classic presents an opportunity for Elans to gather for a day of fun on Oct. 30
The event will begin at 8 a.m. at Weingart Stadium. The 5K is a distance of 3.1 miles. There is a $40 fee to participate in the event. The event is designed for participants of all fitness levels. They can choose to walk, run or participate in the other available activities.
“It’s going to be an introduction on how athletic , kinesthetic and body movements work,” said Edgar Lightbourn, event coordinator.
Students are welcome to bring their families to the event. Activities for children and for people interested in health and wellness will be offered.
There will also be face painters, water balloon fights, jumpers and other competitive games.
“Some of the other activities will include wellness booths that are dedicated to educating others on the ways that wellness and physical fitness come together,” said Lightbourn.
Ex-Raider Greg Townsend will be joining the ELAC community and will serve as the spokesperson for Aztlan Athletics. He’ll be promoting the health and wellness portion of the event.
“He is going to be taking the lead on the Q&A. Questions will be asked, and Greg will be able to provide more specifics about what we are promoting,” said Lightbourn.
“Him coming in and being a part of this is a huge deal. Coming from his background, being a Super Bowl champion is a big deal, so we’re excited to have him on-board to support us in this cause,” said Lightbourn.
On the day of the event, participants must pick up their packets two hours before the start time. The packets will be available at the pre-registration booth and will include a t-shirt, BIB number and other information.
“(The packet) is also going to tie into information about East LA itself,” said Lightbourn.
A portion of the proceeds will go to ELAC’s running program, the Charles R. Drew University School of Medicine & Science scholarship programs and the Aztlan Athletics Foundation.
For those who don’t pre-register, they will be able to register the day of the event from 6 to 7:45 a.m. at the pre-registration booth.
Free parking will be available in the P3 structure.
All participants of the 5K will receive participation medals at the end.