Healthcare District Joins Palm Springs Health Run Fest

Desert Healthcare District to Join Annual Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival as Presenting Sponsor

PALM SPRINGS — Coachella Valley residents will have an opportunity on Saturday to make good on any New Year’s resolutions that prioritize health and wellness, when the annual Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival gets under way.

Beginning at 8 a.m. at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, attendees can run or walk in a 10K, 5K or 1K race. There will also be opportunities to visit 80 vendors’ booths, join in group exercises, and cheer on participants in a cooking competition.

A new feature this year is a bike ride. Anyone who signs up to ride has a chance to win a 7-speed, low-step, hybrid bike with a rack (valued at $400).

As presenting sponsor for the second year, the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation will have a booth at the festival. In addition, through a partnership with Desert Physicians Medical Group Health, the District & Foundation’s mobile medical clinics will be present to provide flu and COVID-19 vaccines and basic health screenings.

“What this event does well is bring together in one location healthcare providers, community service organizations, and residents,” said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO. “It’s a welcome opportunity for the District and other participants to connect with the community in a relaxed but meaningful way.”

During the festival’s Honorees Luncheon at noon, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board President Carole Rogers will present an award to Diane Vines, PhD, RN. A grantee and longtime community partner of the agency, Vines serves as executive director and principal investigator of the California State University San Bernardino Nursing Street Medicine Program. She will be recognized for the program’s outreach to the Coachella Valley’s unhoused population and other vulnerable residents in need.

This year’s honorees also include retired city of Palm Springs event producer Michele Cirone-Collier and Linda Evans, chief strategy officer – community advocacy with Desert Care Network.

Free admission & parking

Pre-registration is available at Ruth Hardy Park noon-4 p.m. Friday, and race day registration will take place at 7-8:15 a.m. Saturday. Registration includes a shirt, backpack, bagels and coffee, protein snacks, and finisher medals.

To see the full roster of fitness instructors, sponsors, and media personalities participating in the cooking competition: https://PalmSpringsHealthRun.com