Alumna to start race at 5k for cancer research

When The Village Runner St. Patrick’s Day 5K run/walk commences on Sunday, USC alumna Rebecca Soni, an Olympic gold medalist, will don her sneakers to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Soni is the honorary race starter for The Village Runner St. Patrick’s Day 5K run/walk. A South Bay local, Soni will not only be hosting the event, but she will also be participating in the race this Sunday.

“I live here in Redondo, so although I’ve never participated in this event before, I’ve seen and heard about it,” Soni said. “This is my first time, but I’m so excited to be a part of it. As the host, I’ll be there pretty early on in the day to start the race and send everybody off.”

The 13th annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K is a community event to honor Chase Stecyk, a boy who passed away from cancer at only 11 years old in 2011. However, this year is the first time the St. Patrick’s Day 5K will be partnering with the American Cancer Society to raise money for the charity’s cancer research and free patient programs.

Don Franken, a race organizer who has been a part of the St. Patrick’s Day 5K for the last six years, explained that the American Cancer Society is a great addition to the race this year.

“All of us have been touched by cancer in some way,” Franken said. “It’s all over my family. It’s all over many families. All proceeds will go toward the American Cancer Society, and I couldn’t think of a better charity to support.”

Race participants are also encouraged to wear green to represent Stecyk’s favorite color and holiday — St. Patrick’s Day. Franken explained that the event hosts a costume contest at the beginning of the day and that the event is a bonding event for the whole South Bay.

“You can really see the whole community come together,” Franken said. “People arrive in all kinds of crazy, outrageous costumes, wearing shamrocks on their cheeks and dressing up as leprechauns, pots of gold or entirely in green.”

This year, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K is expected to attract approximately 1,500 people. Participants range from 1-year-olds to 80-year-olds who still love running.

Danielle Boyer, the event coordinator for the race, has been working for Village Runner since the summer before her freshman year of college. She loves seeing all the kids race from year to year and watching them progress as they get older.

One runner succeeded in high school running and is now at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“There’s just something to be said about watching kids and teens become passionate about the sport of running, and it’s especially touching to help be a part their lives,” Boyer said.

Besides running at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K, participants can enjoy other perks of the event, including food, entertainment and a Race Expo. Franken, who is also responsible for marketing and communication, has put together a number of corporate partnerships and sponsorships.

“Every year, we have a health and fitness expo, where different companies participate,” Franken said. “There are chiropractors, physical therapists, local realtors and other community business leaders who come to showcase their healthy lifestyle products and services.”

Since her Olympic days, Soni has continued to lead an active and nutritious lifestyle by hiking, boxing, doing yoga and eating healthy. As a mentor and role model for young athletes, she hopes to empower everyone to embrace health and fitness.

“What I’m most looking forward to at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K is the community aspect,” Soni said. “I’m excited to see everyone together, having fun and celebrating the joy of being healthy and active.”