Running with Purpose and Raising $208K for CA, NV CMN Hospitals

The Annual Credit Union SACTOWN Run took place Sunday, April 12, in Sacramento, raising $208,000 for 11 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) and helping local kids throughout California and Nevada receive the medical care they need.

More than 1,700 runners registered to participate in this year’s run, including more than 630 credit union employees and members from across California and Nevada. The event — which started and ended on the Capitol Mall near the California State Capitol — featured a Road-Mile Run race, 5K Run/Walk, and the Community Mile.

“The Credit Union SACTOWN Run is a celebration of health, community, and hope,” said Jeremy Empol, President and CEO of California and Nevada’s Credit Unions. “Seeing the credit union community come together near the steps of the state capitol to support kids across both states is an inspiring reminder of what credit unions can achieve when we run with a mission and purpose.”

Credit Union SACTOWN Run Chair and Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union CEO John Pamer said credit unions’ ongoing partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals displays the industry’s long-term and steadfast pledge.

“The fact that over 1,300 finishers — plus many more spectators and volunteers — braved the chilly downpours and threat of thunderstorms is a testament to credit unions’ commitment to our communities,” Pamer said. “We are thrilled by the incredible turnout and the $208,000 raised this year. We look forward to continuing to provide vital support to sick and injured children across California and Nevada.”

The run was hosted by the Sacramento Running Association (SRA), a community-based nonprofit that promotes the sport of running in the greater Sacramento area, including the California International Marathon. It includes the SACTOWN Run within the RunSac Race Series, which hosts 10 premier area events that spotlight beautiful routes and passionate runners.

Race Champions, Times, and Results
The yearly run wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of credit union leaders from across California and Nevada and Credit Union SACTOWN Run committee members.

This year, the following champions placed in the best times during the race:

• Road-Mile Run Champion (men): Kasey Knevelbaard (Flagstaff, AZ) — 4:08 (time).
• Road-Mile Run Champion (women): Claire Yerby (Montara, CA) — 4:43 (time).
• 5K Run/Walk Champion (men): Seth Totten (Fair Oaks, CA) — 15:24 (time); 4:57 minute/mile.
• 5K Run/Walk Champion (women): Kristi Capello (Carmichael, CA) — 18:24 (time); 5:55 minute/mile.

You can view 2026 race results here: Road-Mile Run and 5K Run/Walk. Additionally, all years’ results are on the SRA website.

This year’s race also showcased two new competitions — with the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union team winning “fastest credit union” (average of fastest three runners) and Velera winning the fastest credit union business partner (Eric Campe).

The California and Nevada credit union movement played a huge part in raising funds, with runners, walkers, and independent fundraisers hailing from 31 participating credit unions in California and Nevada to support CMN hospitals.

The Credit Union SACTOWN Run Committee would like to thank the following sponsors:

• Three Superhero Sponsors: California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Velera.
  Six Hero Sponsors: First Tech Federal Credit Union, Golden 1 Credit Union, Monterra Credit Union, Patelco Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and Travis Credit Union.
• Six Champion Sponsors: California Credit Union, Operating Engineers Credit Union, Origence, Redwood Credit Union, SAFE Credit Union, and Valley Strong Credit Union.
• Two Buddies Sponsors: LBS Financial Credit Union and WithGlide.
• Eight Friends Sponsors: Catalyst, Eagle Community Credit Union, Envisant, First US Community Credit Union, Fiserv, Frontwave Credit Union, Sacramento Credit Union, and Upward Credit Union.
• 14 Pals Sponsors: Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal), Credit Union Solutions Group (CUSG), CU*Northwest, Delta Schools Federal Credit Union, Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union, Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, Kaiperm Credit Union, Keypoint Credit Union, Organized Labor Credit Union, SMW 104 Federal Credit Union, South Bay Credit Union, UNCLE Credit Union, USC Credit Union, and Wescom Credit Union.
• Two Recognitions: Antioch Community Federal Credit Union and Infineo (LifeNotes)

Each year, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals across the United States identify a “champion” in their community to represent kids treated at the local children’s hospital. This year, Annabelle Lee was named CMN Champion for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Annabelle is a real “miracle” who has beat the odds — and her story is a testament to the incredible work of her care teams. The annual Credit Union SACTOWN Run is for kids like Annabelle and so many others across California and Nevada.

Thank you to everyone who participated on behalf of Annabelle’s heroic story. Read Annabelle’s story.