First ‘Hayward Hills 5K Challenge at East Bay’ planned for May 11

• April 4, 2013 5:00am

Cal State East Bay Track and Cross Country teams will partner with East Bay's Associated Students Inc. (ASI) to host the Annual "Hayward Hills Challenge 5K at East Bay” on May 11. The event will feature a 5k Run/Walk beginning at 9 a.m. and a free "Fun Run" for youth 12 and under at 10 a.m.

The idea for the event came from Ralph Jones, track and cross country coach, as a way for CSUEB to continue to strengthen the relationship with the Hayward community and to encourage overall health and wellness. Jones added, “I wanted to provide an event that would include elementary aged youth to get them moving and having fun in a fun inclusive environment.”

This is the first event of its kind in recent years at Cal State East Bay. The event will feature a post-race tent city featuring local vendors, community organizations, and CSUEB student clubs. 

Race Director and first year Assistant Track and Cross Country Coach Maija Hitchings is excited about the event, “As a growing program that is aiming to revive its rich history, Pioneer Track and Cross Country wants to reconnect with the community.  We want to be connected with the city of Hayward...we want to be friends with the community while building long-lasting relationships.”

This is not the first community event for CSUEB Athletics. The Pioneers have engaged the Hayward community through the "Pioneers Play" fitness initiative that encourages girls to get up and play; the Read with the Pioneers Literacy program encourages at home reading; and, the Youth Days at the Bay have brought over 700 youth to the campus to interact with student athletes.

Hayward hills 5K Challenge Registration

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