1K Color Run, 5K Walk/Run, Reverse Mini-triathlon, Reverse Mini-Tri Relay, and Health Fair Benefits YMCA of the Desert Youth Progams
By Chris Clemens
This coming weekend, the 2nd annual Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge takes place on Sunday, October 4 at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. While the event attracts participants of various fitness levels – from runners, walkers, and tri-athletes – there will be several Marines participating from the Twentynine Palms Combat Center to support the event and to assist in raising money for important YMCA of the Desert youth programming in the Coachella Valley.
The Marines have been sponsored by an anonymous donor to participate in the Y Be Fit, and are members of the City of Palm Desert’s adopted 7th Marine Regiment. The City adopted the unit earlier this year through the Adopt-a-Unit program in order to support Marines who are forward deployed and stationed locally. Through the program the City assists the regiment with events, City leadership, and interfacing with organizations and individuals throughout the community on their behalf. In addition, nonprofits involved in supporting Marine participation in the Y Be Fit include the Armed Service YMCA of the USA, Twentynine Palms, the USO at Palm Springs International Airport, and SOS Ride of Palm Springs.
The event is free for all Marines and their families, lunch is provided following the event, a $25 gas card is provided, and Marine families are able to spend the day at Palm Desert Aquatic Center enjoying the swim facilities free of charge.
“The inaugural event last year was hugely successful enabling us to raise about $18,000 for important youth programs for our area communities, and this year there is even greater interest in participation from an even broader range of audiences,” said Melanie Hinrichs of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and co-chair for the event. “We are proud to have these fine Marines involved this year and look forward to introducing them to the other participants, while recognizing their committed support for our country, as well as our local community!”
Both the Reverse Mini-Triathlon and Reverse Mini-Tri Relay take place at 7 a.m.; the 5K Run/Walk at 7:15 a.m.; and the 1K Color Run at 9 a.m. Registration fees for the Reverse Mini-Triathlon are $75 through Oct. 3 and $90 on race day; the Reverse Mini-Tri Relay is $95 through Oct. 3, and $110 on race day; and the 5K Run/Walk is $35 through Oct. 3 and $40 on race day; the 1K Color Run Public is $10 through Oct. 3 and $15 on race day; and the 1K Color Run Y Family is $5 through Oct. 3 and $15 on race day. For those registering the day of the event, registration is open beginning at 5:30 a.m. at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
Following the fitness portion of the event, a Health and Wellness Fair will feature vendor and information booths, entertainment, and activities for all ages. In addition to participants in the event, the public is also invited to attend the fair.
For more information or to register please visit www.ybefitpdchallenge.org or call (760) 341-9622. The event is sponsored by Alpha Media, Burrtec, Carl’s Jr., Casuela’s Café, City of Palm Desert, Classic Party Rentals, Costco Wholesale, Crush 103.9, CV Weekly, Dick’s Sporting Goods, FG Creative, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Jonathan & Associates, Klein/Clark, KNEWS 94.3, Lamar, Palm Desert Aquatic Center, Prime Time, Proper Solutions, Rubio’s, The Eagle 106.9, The Printing Place, VIP Promotional Services, U-92.7,VIP Professional Services, 93.7 KCLB, 103.1 Sunny FM, and the Family YMCA of the Desert.
