Local nonprofit The Rock Club-Music is the Remedy is holding its second annual “Conquer Signal Hill” 5k virtual challenge in support of its music programs for veterans, this year honoring Signal Hill Commissioner Terry Rogers, who died on Jan. 30.
This is one of the many runs taking place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic (the Long Beach Marathon had a virtual component in 2021). It will feature a 5k run, walk and dog walk as well as a 20k bike challenge.
“We want everyone to be a part of this and you can do it in your house, you can walk on the treadmill, you can walk in your brain, you actually don’t have to do it but just support,” said musician Frank Mcilquham, executive director of The Rock Club.
Proceeds from the virtual 5k will support the music programs for Rock for Vets and The Rock Club’s Quarantine Singing Circle—a set of videos that allow members to continue singing with program leaders through the pandemic.
Founded in 2009 by Mcilquham, The Rock Club provides support and mentorship to youth, veterans and senior citizens through music.
Those registering for the challenge must participate anytime between Feb. 26 and March 26. Those who wish to participate can register here. There’s a registration fee of $60 per person or bike and $30 for dogs, which includes a shirt, medal, towel and face mask.
Signal Hill Petroleum, one of the event sponsors, will provide four $150 prizes. The categories include fastest male 5k runner, fastest female 5k runner, fastest 20k cyclist and most “prized pooch.”
To be considered for the prize money, those who registered must send proof of time and a photo of themselves participating in the challenge while wearing their event shirt to katherine@musicistheremedy.org no later than March 27 by noon. Those entering their dog must submit a photo by the same deadline through email.
“Conquer Signal Hill” came about in 2021 after Los Alamitos’ “Race on the Base”—a race The Rock Club participated in for 10 years—decided not to do an event. The race came back later that year as Race Los Alamitos.
“There [was] a hole,” Mcilquham said. “People like to run and they like to be active, so [Executive Administrator] Katherine [Mcilquham] thought it would be a great idea for us to have our own 5k.”
Final results for “Conquer Signal Hill” will be decided by Signal Hill Petroleum on March 30, according to The Rock Club’s website. Winners will be notified and results will be posted online by March 31.
“Anything to stay active and stay busy and help our community,” Mcilquham said of the race. “That’s the best part.”
For more information follow @rockforvets on Instagram or visit their website https://musicistheremedy.org/5k-virtual/.
