Supporting the 2026 Stars & Strides 5K/10K

On July 11, Westmed joined the Valley Health Foundation in Downtown San Jose for the 2026 Stars & Strides 5K/10K and Kids Fun Run. The annual race takes place at Discovery Meadow and raises funds for Valley Health Foundation and the public healthcare programs it supports throughout Santa Clara County. Westmed supported this year’s event as the Ambulance, Start Line, and Medical Tent Sponsor, providing standby medical coverage for runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators throughout the morning. A group of Westmed employees also traded their uniforms for race bibs and took part in the event themselves.

Supporting the Race from Start to Finish

Stars & Strides includes both 5K and 10K courses through Downtown San Jose, along with a Kids Fun Run and a post-race festival at Discovery Meadow. With participants spread between the start and finish area, the course, and the festival, medical coverage has to account for more than one location. Westmed crews were on site to provide dedicated ambulance coverage and staff the medical tent near the start and finish area. Having those resources already at the event meant medical personnel and transport were available if a participant or attendee needed additional care. That role fit naturally with the event itself. Stars & Strides benefits Valley Health Foundation, which supports Santa Clara County’s public healthcare system through funding for equipment, programs, training, and services for the community.

A Different Kind of Westmed Team

Not everyone from Westmed was there to work the event. Employees from across the organization signed up to run and walk alongside the rest of the Stars & Strides participants. While crews staffed the medical side of the event, their coworkers were out on the course representing Westmed as participants. It gave the team two ways to be involved in the same event: providing the medical coverage needed to help keep race day running safely and taking part in the fundraiser itself. After crossing the finish line, Westmed runners joined crews and other attendees back at Discovery Meadow for the post-race festival.

Partnering with Valley Health Foundation

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Westmed’s involvement with Stars & Strides also builds on its relationship with Valley Health Foundation and the broader Santa Clara County healthcare community. All proceeds from Stars & Strides support Valley Health Foundation, an independent nonprofit that raises funds for Santa Clara County’s public hospitals, clinics, healthcare workers, and community health programs. Serving as a sponsor gave Westmed an opportunity to support that work while contributing something directly connected to what its crews do every day. By the end of the morning, Westmed had supported the event from both sides of the course. Crews provided the ambulance and medical resources needed for race day, while Westmed runners and walkers joined the community in raising money for the healthcare system they work alongside throughout Santa Clara County. We’re grateful to Valley Health Foundation for inviting Westmed to be part of this year’s Stars & Strides and look forward to returning next year.