A new kind of 5K is coming to East County next Sunday — one that supports Native youth in the region who depend on a local club for academic resources, cultural programming, and a safe place to go after school.

The Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness (BGCKNW) is hosting its inaugural Wellness 5K on Sunday, March 29, starting at 8 a.m. at the former NTC-headquartered park at 2455 Cushing Road. Proceeds will fund the expansion of the club's programming and a new safe space for its members.

The club serves Native youth ages 6 to 19 in rural East County and offers free memberships to local families. Its Connected Learning Center, built in partnership with AT&T, features 16 computer stations and high-speed internet designed to close the digital divide for students who might otherwise have limited access to online learning. The facility also includes a music room, performing arts activities, cooking and gardening classes, and programming grounded in Native cultural preservation.

Physical wellness is a core part of the club's mission. Through a partnership with the Southern Indian Health Council, members participate in organized athletics and activities designed to reduce health risk factors prevalent in the community.

The 5K course is stroller-friendly and dogs on leashes are welcome. Registration is $27.50 per person and is open through the day of the event. For more information, visit the event registration page at charityengine.net (search "BGCKNW 5K").