Over president’s day weekend, “Chasing the Sun Heidi Run” will be taking place at William Jessup university in memory of former Rocklin High student, Heidi Greenwood. There will be both a 5K and a one mile fun run for kids. Scandia fun center is sponsoring the event and all proceeds go to a foundation, started by the Greenwood family to provide scholarships for Rocklin and Whitney runners.

Heidi was a senior last year when she suddenly passed away in March due to a blood clot. Despite her medical challenges senior year, Heidi continued to run her heart out for her team at every race, inspiring her team and demonstrating her love and passion for the sport.

Heidi ran both cross country and track and was captain of the team for two years. William Jessup, the venue for the event, is where Heidi ran SFL league finals all four years of high school for the varsity squad. Heidi’s fastest time on the William Jessup course is 19:40, which she ran at Finals her junior year.

Heidi’s life touched hundreds of people and she spent her time making an impact in our community. This is evident by the amount of sponsors signed up for the event which include: Roseville Golfland Sunsplash, where Heidi worked as a lifeguard for two years, Scandia Fun Center, whose owners Heidi babysat for, and Alexander-Martin Orthodontics, family friends of the Greenwoods.

Registration for the race is now open and can be found at heidigreenwood.com. It is $28 for the 5K, $18 for the student 5K and $30 cash or check on race day. A one mile fun run will also be taking place on the day of the event for younger children and will be free. Standard entries receive a t-shirt, chip timing, and refreshments after the race provided by Safeway, Mr. Pickles, The Pizza Place, and Krispy Kreme. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 17th (presidents day) and is followed by the fun run.

Running was a huge part of who Heidi was and this run is a great way to both honor her memory and support her legacy by helping provide scholarships for Heidi’s fellow runners.

“Being able to celebrate Heidi’s life by participating in the thing she loved most is the best way to remember Heidi. Her passion for running was inspirational and her love for her team is something I will never forget. I encourage everyone who knew Heidi to take place in this event because running together in her memory and show our support for the Greenwood family,” Lindsey Romeri, cross country captain and one of Heidi’s former teammates.

Everyone is welcome at this event. From serious runners, to people who have never ran in their life. Chip timing will be at the race, allowing experienced runners to compete. Wearing purple is suggested as it was Heidi’s favorite color. The Chasing the Sun Heidi Run will be a great way for us to unite as a Rocklin community in support of an amazing runner and those still running with Heidi in their hearts.

The name of the run, “Chasing the Sun” was inspired by the song by Sara Bareilles. “Remember that life is not meant to be wasted, we can always be chasing the sun. So fill up your lungs and just run, but always be chasing the sun!”

To sign up for the run visit this link http://heidigreenwood.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html