The San Diego City College Fitness Center held their 8th annual 4K Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser at Mission Bay/Tecolote Shores at 8 a.m. on Nov. 10.

The event came at the end of Fitness Week, and was a great way to benefit the fitness center through a fundraiser and help participants get in shape.

“This is normally a small crowd of students and volunteers who come out and participate in the 4K which is about two and a half miles,” said Coach Paul Greer, the event’s coordinator. 

Greer said that every participant received a race souvenir and other prizes.

25-year-old Darnell Prude, a student at City College, came in first place finishing his run in 10:27 minutes.

“I thought it was going to be longer but it was pretty short. It is fun and motivating,” Prude said.

When asked about the importance of fitness, Prude said “Fitness is extremely important, I would say do anything to get off the couch and move. A few minutes a day can’t do any harm. It can only help you in so many ways.”

23-year-old Daniel J. Trujillo was the pace coordinator for the event.

“I guide the first runner to where the track was leading them. I had to be at their pace, however I did have to be a few steps ahead of them,” he said.

Trujillo, who is also on the cross country team at City College, said “ I was told by my close friend if you start training yourself, for three months (for cross country) you will feel better and at that time I was pretty out of shape.” He added that having a great leader or couch is also a great help. 

The final time completed by a walker was was 25:20.

The event helped make $1,213.00 which will go directly towards the fitness center.