Love My Mom 5K event honors all sorts of moms in Folsom

From grandmothers to stroller pushers to fur mamas, Folsom's Love My Mom Family Fitness event, scheduled for May 7, honors mothers of every age and type. For Recreation Coordinator Frankie Nelson, who helps plan the festivities, the event "hits home" for his family. In 2017, when his mother-in-law was battling terminal cancer, she was able to run in the Love My Mom, her first 5K event. "We were all in shock and awe," Nelson said. "She passed away in 2020, and my wife's family all comes out and runs in memory of her." This year, Nelson expects 30 family members to make it out to honor Estrella Palaspas' life. Honoring those passed is just one way people take part in this 5K event. Children have special 40- and 80-yard dashes (based on age), there are single stroller and double stroller divisions, and there is even recognition for mothers of dogs. While this is the ninth annual event, Nelson said the city noticed a shift away from a typical 5K race about two years after starting the event. "It was just a different feel," Nelson said. "We started noticing that it was generational and a majority of the participants were walkers. It turned into more of a celebration and a party." Now, the city, in conjunction with its partners Kaiser and the Palladio, host a festival at the end of the race with vendors, music, professional photos and award presentations. This year's event is being held a week earlier than Mother's Day at the Folsom Palladio. The finish line and festival are in a new location, at the Palladio Piazza. The starting line will still be at Whole Foods, with the same 5K flat course that attracts participants of all ability levels. The Kids' Dash, scheduled at 8 a.m. for ages 10 and under, will be held before the 5K, with medals awarded to all registered participants. The race begins at 8:20 a.m. Participants in the 5K will be electronically timed, and special awards will be presented to the top finishers in a variety of categories, including single and double strollers, top mom, top female and top male. All registered participants will receive a custom dry-fit shirt and commemorative finisher's medal. "My favorite thing about the event has always been how it just honors moms and grandmas," Nelson said. Parking for the event, which could see up to 750 participants, is available at the Palladio in front of Nordstrom Rack or in the Iron Point parking structure. For more information, to register or to volunteer, visit https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation.