Anyone who runs would recognize the name of the athlete who garnered distinction through his athletic achievements. Steve Sokol led a great life of health and fitness, influencing thousands
Anyone who runs would recognize the name of the athlete who garnered distinction through his athletic achievements. Steve Sokol led a great life of health and fitness, influencing thousands.
Sokol turned heads with his Guinness World Records feat of doing a thousand push-ups in 10:29. He also rode his bike between San Francisco and Los Angeles in two days without ever sitting down. His moniker “World’s Fittest Man” is aptly named for him.
The popular nutritionist and personal trainer passed away last March in a tragic car crash, shocking many in the fitness community.
In honor of Sokol, South Valley Endurance, Body Firm of Los Gatos and volunteers hosted the Steve Sokol Memorial 5K Run and Walk at Almaden Lake Park in San Jose on Sunday.
Before the run, Sokol’s widow, Leslie, shared heartfelt words before the crowd. Then 172 participants toed the line to run alongside Leslie and Sokol’s and son, Alex, for the 3.1-mile race. The cool, overcast weather was perfect for the event.
Alex Sokol, 12, led the pack as everyone took off down the dirt path. The out-and-back tree-lined course was a beautiful, peaceful backdrop for racers to enjoy.
The winners bolted to the finish line, with San Jose’s Dina Rosenthal, 39, leading the way in a whirlwind victory in 18 minutes, 26 seconds.
Rosenthal said, “It was a really nice race, a perfect day for it. Everything went well. I would not miss this race. My husband and I mainly did this race to support Leslie and Alex and to let Steve know that he will always be remembered.”
Hot on Rosenthal’s heels were the top three male finishers, with George Gemelos blazing to the end in 19:06. Sokol snagged second place in 19:19 with Scott Adams, 41, who took third in 19:25.
“I felt a lot better than last week’s race (Run for Stinkin’ Roses). I had a person help me pace — Scott Adams. I finished strong,” Sokol said.
Saratoga’s Adams said, “This is what you want: a nice cool morning, a great course, and well organized race. … The reason why we came out was to remember our friend Steve.”
Adams and Robert Whitacre worked with Sokol as personal trainers at Body Firm. Whitacre won second in 23:15.
The other two top female 5K winners were Morgan Hill’s Annie Bergholz with 20:48 and San Jose’s Kristen Del Biaggio with 22:04.
“It was pretty flat and smooth. I’m trying to get a sub-20; that’s my goal,” Bergholz said.
Del Biaggio added, “Alex Sokol is on my son’s soccer team and so we brought the soccer team out here today to support the Sokol Family,” she said. “I just wanted to have fun. I don’t really do races.”
Hollister’s Carlton Oler, 54, took second in the 50-something bracket and ran the race at a leisurely pace with 22:57. He came out to support the cause to raise funds for young Sokol’s college education.
Sokol, 53, got a silver in 24:00.
“The time didn’t matter,” she said. “I don’t think I ever smiled as much as I did during the race because I saw everybody out here doing their best for Steve, celebrating his life.”
I remember Steve Sokol at many races; running with him and writing about his dynamic journey on this earth was a privilege.
