Fun run of the century

The U.S. Olympic Training Center is hosting its third annual Chula Vista Community 5K Fun Run/Walk Saturday.

The event offers participants a chance to run alongside Olympic athletes and is part of the city’s centennial celebration including a community expo, food, educational booths, music and fun.

With fiscal challenges facing the city, it’s been a challenge to find resources to fund many of its programs, said expo and sponsorship coordinator Buck Martin.

“This program is a two-prong approach because we’re able to raise money as well as get people outdoors and moving,” Martin said. The run will also help combat high blood pressure and child obesity.

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is the title sponsor, the highest level of sponsorship at $10,000; principal sponsor is East Hills Realty for $5,000 to help scholarships for many of the Chula Vista elementary school kids who may not have the resources to participate, by supporting school teams and getting them there physically.

On-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. at 2800 Olympic Parkway.

Martin said the city expects some 1,000 people to participate.

For more information call (619) 409-5966.