Run with Heart: The Goodyear Heart & Sole 5K and Why Health-Focused Heroes Love the West Valley

This Saturday, February 7, 2026, Goodyear Ballpark transforms into the ultimate celebration of heart health, community, and active living. The Heart & Sole 5K & 1 Mile isn't just another race, it's Goodyear's signature running event marking its 20th anniversary during National Heart Health Month. And if you're a doctor, nurse, first responder, or any health-focused professional in the Phoenix area, this event perfectly captures why so many heroes are choosing to call the West Valley home.

More Than Just a Race, It's a Community Wellness Movement

Starting at 8:30 a.m. with warm-up activities, the Heart & Sole 5K kicks off at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 1-mile run/walk at 9:10 a.m. Located at Goodyear Ballpark (1933 S. Ballpark Way), the event brings together everyone from competitive runners to families pushing strollers, yes, both strollers and dogs are welcome.

What makes this event special? It's designed with inclusion at its core. Whether you're training for your next marathon or just looking to get moving with your kids, there's a place for you here. At just $10 for the 5K and $5 for the 1-mile, it's one of the most affordable ways to participate in a professionally organized race that actually gives back to the community.

Why Healthcare Professionals and First Responders Connect With This Event

If you spend your days saving lives, you understand the irony: while you're caring for others' health, your own wellness often takes a backseat. Long shifts, irregular hours, and high-stress situations make it challenging to prioritize fitness and heart health.

The Heart & Sole 5K resonates with medical professionals and first responders because it's built around the same values you live by:

Heart Health Awareness: As someone in healthcare or emergency services, you've seen firsthand what cardiovascular disease does to families. This race puts prevention front and center during National Heart Health Month, something you probably preach to your patients but sometimes forget to practice yourself.

The Rucking Division: Here's something that'll speak to our military heroes and first responders, the rucking division is back. This military-inspired workout combines walking with weighted backpacks (10 lbs if you're under 150 lbs, 20 lbs if you're over). If you're used to carrying gear on the job or served in the military, this adds a familiar challenge to your morning.

Community Over Competition: Sure, there are age-group awards for the 5K, but the real focus is community wellness. Health vendors provide education along the route, professional DJs keep the energy high, and everyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal. It's less about beating your personal record and more about showing up for yourself and your neighbors.

Event Day Details You Need to Know

Packet Pickup: Swing by Friday, February 7 between 12–6 p.m., or arrive race morning starting at 7:30 a.m.

What's New This Year: The course now routes runners through Goodyear Ballpark itself: home to the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds spring training. You'll literally be running through a piece of Arizona's baseball heritage.

Family-Friendly Features: Bring the whole crew. Kids can tackle the 1-mile, you can handle the 5K, and your dog can join you for both. The event welcomes all fitness levels and ages.

Awards and Recognition: Every finisher receives a medal, and age-group winners in the 5K receive additional recognition.

Why Health-Conscious Heroes Are Choosing Goodyear and the West Valley

Let's talk about why this event exists in Goodyear in the first place: and why so many healthcare professionals, first responders, and military families are putting down roots here.

Active Lifestyle Infrastructure: Goodyear isn't just hosting a 5K; it's built for an active lifestyle year-round. With over 45 parks, 170+ miles of trails, and 320+ days of sunshine annually, you can actually maintain that fitness routine you keep promising yourself you'll start. When you work irregular hours, having accessible outdoor spaces 24/7 makes all the difference.

Growing Healthcare Community: The West Valley is experiencing massive growth in healthcare facilities. Abrazo West Campus, Banner Estrella Medical Center, and numerous urgent care and specialty clinics mean shorter commutes for medical professionals. Many doctors and nurses are finding they can live, work, and play within a 15-minute radius: something almost impossible in other parts of the Phoenix metro.

First Responder-Friendly Neighborhoods: Goodyear, Buckeye, and surrounding West Valley cities actively support their police, fire, and EMS personnel. These communities understand shift work, appreciate the service, and have built infrastructure that accommodates the unique needs of first responder families.

Military Heritage: With Luke Air Force Base nearby, the West Valley has deep military roots. That translates to veteran-friendly businesses, understanding neighbors, and events like the Heart & Sole 5K that include military-inspired activities like rucking divisions.

Affordable Living: Here's the reality: you might save lives for a living, but that doesn't mean you're getting paid like a Silicon Valley tech worker. The West Valley offers significantly more affordable housing than Scottsdale, Phoenix, or the East Valley, while still providing excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and growing amenities.

Living Near Goodyear Ballpark: The Sweet Spot for Active Professionals

The area surrounding Goodyear Ballpark has become a hotspot for professionals who want to balance work, wellness, and community engagement. You're minutes from spring training games, the Goodyear Recreation Campus, and the Palm Valley community with its resort-style amenities.

For healthcare workers at nearby facilities or first responders serving West Valley communities, living near Goodyear Ballpark means:

• Quick access to both I-10 and Loop 303 for commuting flexibility

• Walking distance to events like Heart & Sole 5K

• Proximity to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment

• Master-planned communities with pools, fitness centers, and trails built in

• Lower cost per square foot than comparable areas in the East Valley

If you're ready to explore homes near Goodyear Ballpark and throughout the West Valley, check out available properties at search.clearlysold.com. You can filter by your specific needs: whether that's proximity to your hospital, a backyard big enough for your dog who'll be joining you at the 5K, or a quiet neighborhood perfect for post-shift recovery.

Rewarding Heroes: Because You Deserve More Than Just a Medal

Here's something most real estate agents won't tell you: traditional real estate transactions are wildly inefficient and unnecessarily expensive. At Clearly Sold, we built the Rewarding Heroes program specifically for the people who serve our communities: doctors, nurses, first responders, military personnel, teachers, and city employees.

Here's the deal: Instead of paying 6% in real estate commissions (3% on each side), you pay a flat $8,000 per side. On a $400,000 home: which is about average in Goodyear right now: that's over $16,000 in savings compared to traditional commissions.

We created this program because people like you: who dedicate your careers to serving others: shouldn't be overpaying for real estate services. You're running 5Ks to stay healthy, pulling double shifts to keep communities safe, and treating patients who depend on you. The last thing you need is an outdated real estate model eating into your savings.

The Rewarding Heroes program includes:

• Flat $8,000 fee per transaction side (buying or selling)

• Full-service real estate representation

• No hidden fees or surprise costs

• Access to our exclusive property search platform

• Personalized support from professionals who understand your unique schedule and needs

Clearly Sold is brokered by HomeSmart, and Rewarding Heroes is an exclusive program offered through Andrew Texidor of Clearly Sold. We're not just helping heroes find houses: we're helping you build wealth by keeping more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

Your Next Steps: From Race Day to Move-In Day

Whether you're already registered for the Heart & Sole 5K or just discovering this event, here's how to take action:

For Race Day: Registration is still open at $10 for the 5K and $5 for the 1-mile. Show up Saturday, February 7 at Goodyear Ballpark, warm up at 8:30 a.m., and run (or walk) with your community. Bring your family, bring your dog, and celebrate 20 years of this West Valley tradition.

For Your Next Home: Start exploring properties near Goodyear Ballpark and throughout the West Valley at search.clearlysold.com. When you're ready to talk specifics about how the Rewarding Heroes program can save you thousands, reach out to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

The Heart & Sole 5K embodies what makes Goodyear and the West Valley special: community, wellness, accessibility, and celebration. These same values drive why health-focused heroes are choosing to live here. You spend your career taking care of others. It's time to take care of yourself and your financial future.

See you at the finish line: and maybe at your new home's front door shortly after.

Clearly Sold is brokered by HomeSmart. Rewarding Heroes is an exclusive program offered through Rewarding Heroes and Clearly Sold, brokered by HomeSmart. For more information about our flat-fee real estate services for healthcare professionals, first responders, military personnel, teachers, and city employees, visit clearlysold.com or contact us directly.