Run Local Diversifies Virtual Opportunities and Supports Community

March 31, 2020

A podcast, iOS sticker pack and upcoming free Workout Wednesday classes and live interviews grow Run Local's virtual footprint; Silicon Valley Education Foundation receives funding for postponed SV Half presented by Excite Credit Union to support its virtual education programs for teachers and students

San Jose, Calif. (March 31, 2020) – In the wake of California’s shelter-in-place orders due to the spread of COVID-19, Run Local has taken a two-pronged approach to supporting its community. The first is providing new, virtual outlets for its community to continue to be engaged from home and the second is working with its partners to continue to provide funding for the Silicon Valley Half presented by Excite Credit Union‘s official charity, Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF), at a critical time of need. 

Diversifying Virtual Engagement
Beginning with the launch of its new Run Local Pod hosted by Run Local Founder, J.T. Service and the voice of Run Local, Josh Muxen, it seeks out to create new ways to engage with its community through storytelling. Episode 2 featured 2x national champion and U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials 6th place finisher, Stephanie Bruce, while Episode 3 sat down with award-winning speaker, Martinus Evans, who helps plus-size individuals be active without the pressure of weight loss. Future episodes will also include new hosts and behind the scenes at events.

It has also launched an iOS Sticker Pack for runners everywhere to enjoy a little messaging fun with friends. Designs feature finish line tapes, port-a-potties and yes, even nipple band aids. Along with these two new virtual products, readers can head to the Run Local Blog for all the latest announcements.

Beginning on April 1, Run Local will also launch a month’s long free Workout Wednesday Virtual Edition class on its YouTube channel. Led by Run Local’s Katie Gott, the 30 minute class will take place at 9:00am PT. Stay tuned for other engaging live interviews during the month of April and the community is encouraged to share their stories using #RUNLOCALSTORIES on social.

Supporting the Silicon Valley Community
While the April 5 Silicon Valley Half has been postponed, in partnership with its presenting sponsor, Excite Credit Union, $15,000 will be donated to the event’s official charity, SVEF, to provide immediate support to its virtual education programs supporting teachers and students in Silicon Valley. To learn more about SVEF and to support the organization visit https://svefoundation.org/.

Run Local continues to work with the City of San Jose on a new date for the Silicon Valley Half. Please stay tuned for more information.

About Excite Credit Union
Excite is a relatable, jean-wearing, never-boring, highly-caffeinated credit union. We’re made up of smart, friendly people who feel it’s our responsibility to take care of the neighborhoods we live in. And we want to give everyone the chance to build a financially stronger future – because together is the only way to step up to better. Oh, we are also a very stable financially sound 68-year-old credit union with $500 million in assets and 40,000 neighbors (members). We serve our neighbors in nine counties – Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Monterey, and Alameda counties in California – and New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties in North Carolina. We also offer the same great benefits to over 400 of our business friends. We’d be happy for you to visit us at excitecu.org. Federally insured by the NCUA.

About Silicon Valley Education Foundation
Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) is the largest educational nonprofit in Silicon Valley. We are guided by the belief that all students are capable of pursuing higher education and boosting their future economic mobility regardless of their background. SVEF has an established legacy of providing proven STEM programs and being profoundly committed to empowering students to graduate high school career and college ready.  For more information, visit www.svef.com.

About Run Local Events
Since 2012, Run Local Events has brought locally produced events to the San Francisco Bay Area celebrating its runners, artists, and the unique diversity of each region. Its annual Series of events includes the Amazon San Jose 408K Race to the Row (February), San Jose Shamrock Run 5K & 10K (March), Silicon Valley Half (April), Across the Bay 12K & 5K (July) and The East Bay 510K – 5K & 10K (October). For more information, visit RunLocalEvents.com and join us on social @RunLocalEvents. Hashtags: #svhalf #runlocal & #runthebay