Mayor Steve Pougnet and the City of Palm Springs invite you and your families to register for the second annual “Mayor’s Healthy Planet, Healthy You,” 1K, 5K, 7 Mile Race and Wellness Festival, slated for Saturday, April 20.

The event starts at 7:30 a.m. in Ruth Hardy Wellness Park with a run/walk followed by an informative Wellness Festival in the park across from Desert Regional Medical Center.

Ready runners at the 2012 Mayor’s Race & Wellness Festival

The race includes a 1K fun run for kids, a 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk and a 7-mile competitive run with Pougnet leading the pack through Uptown and Downtown Palm Springs. This year, Pougnet has partnered with the Clinton Health Matters Initiative and the Desert Healthcare Foundation to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for health and wellness programs in Palm Springs. The Foundation has pledged to match up to $200,000 – and in 2014, the Mayor’s Race will move to the weekend prior to the Humana Challenge, becoming the primary fundraiser for the Clinton Health Matters Initiative’s efforts in the Coachella Valley.

Last year, Pougnet raised more than $100,000 for health and wellness programs in Palm Springs, including a $50,000 match from Desert Healthcare Foundation.

A long-distance marathon runner and the parent of two youngsters, Pougnet is passionate about the importance of healthy living and combining sustainability principles with health and wellness.

“Palm Springs residents are well-known for leading active lifestyles, but we can always do better,” said Pougnet. “Education starts at home and in the schools — and it’s important that we lead by example. I challenge the entire Coachella Valley to join me on April 20 as we race to educate our community that health matters and that we can create healthier generations.”

The City of Palm Springs gratefully acknowledges the many generous donations from our sponsors, including the Desert Healthcare Foundation, Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Medical Center, P.S. Resorts, Wessman Development, Spencer’s at the Mountain, Jessup Auto Plaza, Wintec Energy, Palm Springs Disposal Services, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association, and local philanthropist Helene Galen.

To sign up for the race, visit www.YourSustainableCity.com. For more information, call the Office of Sustainability at (760) 323-8214.