Outrun Lupus 5K Run/Walk

Meet our 2022 Outrun Lupus Honoree, Gloria.  Gloria has been an active supporter of the Lupus Foundation of Northern California over the years.  She was a co-leader of the San Jose Support Group, is part of our Buddy Program, has presented during Patient Panels in our Lupus Health Conferences and has participated in many 5Ks!  Read about Gloria's lupus diagnosis and how lupus has affected her life over the years.  Gloria's brave and positive attitude, and outlook, help inspire us and lupus patients in California and beyond. We thank Gloria for sharing her story with us.

I grew up an active little girl. Always jumping around, playing outside when it was cold or hot. I could ride my bike for hours, ride around roller blades, go swimming all day on a hot day and even played soccer in high school. As I grew older I thought there would be no limits. 

Looking back on my life, I wonder how long I had lupus within me. I recall multiple cases where the sun would burn my face, leaving redness and pain that didn’t feel like a normal sunburn. I remember feeling tired when others that were my age felt fine. But it wasn't until my first year of college that lupus was inevitably a part of my life more than I wanted it to be. This was the year I was diagnosed. I was 19. I remember feeling tired all the time, pain in my joints and repeatedly telling myself, maybe I just need more sleep or more rest. It wasn't until my mom got concerned and made that first doctor's appointment to a regular MD which just so happened to be her doctor. There I got my quick diagnosis. The doctor saw all the signs that led him to believe this could be an autoimmune disease, which at that time I didn't even know what that truly meant. He referred me to a rheumatologist after discovering it was SLE and I had to face a lot of changes. That was the beginning of my battle. I was blessed, even though I didn't see it that way at that time, I had the best doctor, the best nurse and most importantly my family's support.

During the first few years of my diagnosis I participated in multiple studies to help find answers to research regarding people living with lupus. I went through many different doctors due to how my lupus was affecting me. I discovered that I inherited other chronic illnesses such as asthma and thyroid issues as well. There are many details about my journey with lupus that now are simply a blur. Perhaps I chose to think of them that way because of how far I've come.

Once upon a time, several people told me it would be difficult for me to get pregnant but I did. I have 3 beautiful girls. Another time some people told me I should change professions because I am around too many germs as a preschool teacher and it isn't safe for me. Fortunately I've been teaching for 17 years and I don't regret one minute of it. You can say I am living proof no matter what obstacles stand in your way, life goes on. Even with an autoimmune illness, the future is not far away and dreams can come true. 

Somewhere along this journey I've met some pretty profound people. Friends, supporters and even made an enemy or two, when they tried to tell me what I could not do. I had to prove them wrong. Just like the little girl that could swim all day in the sun, I still do that. Maybe just not as long, and now I do it with a hat on and oh with 3 beautiful girls and my soul mate by my side. 

I'm 41 years old today. I have lived 22 years with this illness, possibly more years undiagnosed. As of now, I do not currently take medications for lupus. I see my regular doctor as needed. I keep track of my symptoms. I guess you could say I never let my guard down. I always maintain my health as my top priority. I am so very honored to be able to inspire others with lupus and pray that God gives me many years to continue to do so. I know not everyone's story is the same. But I hope my story is heard because I too wondered if I would ever be here. And here I am. 

There's a quote I came across recently. I truly believe it. It says "They whispered to her, you cannot withstand the storm, she whispered back, I am the storm"  Yes I am! I'm the storm.

Join Team Valiente or donate to Gloria's team today! 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Event Day Details

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Check In Opens @ 7:00 AM

Run Starts @ 9:00 AM

Campbell Park, Campbell, CA

REGISTRATION & ON-SITE CHECK-IN

Online registration will close on Friday, Sept 23rd at 08:00 pm.  On-site registration will be available beginning at 7:00 AM at Campbell Park.   

Check-in will begin at 7:00 AM  in Campbell Park.  Virtual runners/walkers will not need to check-in.  If you’re using an app to track your time and course or tracking that manually, don’t forget you can upload/post your results time after you’re done!

Bib Pickup Details

Thursday, September 22, 2022

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Sports Basement

1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 240
The Pruneyard Shopping Center
Campbell, CA 95008

Day of Event- 9/24/22

Check in and Bib Pickup begin at 7:00 AM at Campbell Park

Medals will be handed out for Top Run Finishers of 5K

Individual and Team Incentive Prizes*:

• Donate or Raise $50 = "I'm Outrunning Lupus" shoelaces!  

• Donate or Raise  $100 = Fight Lupus Scarf

• Donate or Raise  $250 = Butterfly Pin

• Donate or Raise  $500 = Lupus Baseball Cap

• Donate or Raise  $1000 = Stainless Steel Lupus Awareness Water Bottle

• Top Individual Fundraiser will get a FitBit Charge 5.*

Team Incentive Prizes

• Biggest Teams will be entered into a raffle to win one Customized Apple Airpods.

• Teams that raise over $2000 will be entered into a raffle to win one Customized Apple Watch.

* Registration Fees do not count as donation towards incentive prizes. 

In person participants can pick up incentive prizes on Sept. 24th. 

Virtual participants will be contacted after the event to arrange delivery. 

For questions email: Communications@lfnc.org

We are thrilled to welcome back Kira Klapper as the Emcee of our 28th Annual Outrun Lupus 5K!  

Kira anchors Today in the Bay: weekend edition on Saturday and Sunday mornings on NBC Bay Area News. She also reports for Today in the Bay on Fridays.  Kira is an avid supporter of women's health issues and we are so happy she is once again supporting the Lupus Foundation of Northern California. 

We are so excited that Kira will be Emceeing our event in person on Sept. 24, 2022!