Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

listen live donate
listen live donate
listen live
donate
  • News
    • News

    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    News
    • News

    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • Music

    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic

    • Daily Playlist
    Music
    • Music

    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic

    • Daily Playlist
  • Podcasts & Shows
  • Schedules
  • Events
  • Support
    • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Evergreen Donation
    • One-Time Donation
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Giving
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment Support
    • Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • Member Newsletter

    • Fund drives
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
    Support
    • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Evergreen Donation
    • One-Time Donation
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Giving
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment Support
    • Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • Member Newsletter

    • Fund drives
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

Eppie Johnson, Founder of "Eppie's Great Race," Dies

  •  Marianne Russ 
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 | Sacramento, CA
Bob Moffitt / Capital Public Radio
 

Bob Moffitt / Capital Public Radio

Eppie Johnson was a Sacramento restaurateur and philanthropist.  He owned a chain of restaurants throughout Northern California, and started the "Eppie's Great Race" triathlon in the 1970's.

The annual event, which takes place on the American River Parkway, and involves kayaking, cycling and running, has raised more than $1 million dollars for programs that help mentally and physically challenged people in Sacramento County.

Johnson's family says he died in his sleep this past weekend. 

Eppie Johnson appeared on Capital Public Radio's Insight in June; about a month after he turned 85.  Host Beth Ruyak asked him about the milestone.

"At 85 years old, I feel pretty good.  I've got grandchildren and I've got recognition in the community and I've gotten into the position that I think the great race is part of Sacramento's fabric and there's people behind me, they're going to keep it going."

Johnson said his son George has stepped into his father's shoes to organize "Eppie's Great Race."  "Hopefully we can train my grandson to do the same thing.  Maybe we can get this thing going for generations.  Who knows?"

Johnson's 10-year-old grandson is also named Eppie, after his grandfather.

Ruyak also asked Johnson whether he had anything on his "bucket list" - anything he'd still like to do, and he said no.

The "Eppie's Great Race" committee says next July's race will take place as planned.

0917 eppie johnson facebook image

Eppie Johnson, from the Eppie's Great Race Facebook page

 

Listen Beth Ruyak's June, 2013 interview with Eppie Johnson here:

/news/insight/2013/06/19/insight-061913/


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

    Related Stories

  • Bob Moffitt / Capital Public Radio

    Eppie’s Great Race Runs To The Finish

    Thursday, July 19, 2018
    This weekend will be the final run for Eppie’s Great Race, Sacramento’s classic run-bike-paddle event.
  • Insight: Eppie Johnson / "The Prisoner of Carrot Castle" / Eating with Elaine / "Open Mic Sketchbook"

    Wednesday, June 19, 2013
    Eppie Johnson remembers 40 "Great Races." Getting kids to eat their vegetables. Elaine Corn gives recipes for Bing cherries in syrup and the perfect Manhattan. Poet Lawrence Dinkins releases his second collection of poetry.
  • Bob Moffitt / Capital Public Radio

    Eppie's Race Marks One Million Dollars In Donations

    Tuesday, June 18, 2013
    The Sacramento triathlon “Eppie’s Great Race” turns 40 this year. This week it reached the $1 million mark in donations for the disabled.
  • Interview with Eppie, June 14, 2012

Marianne Russ

Former Managing Editor, News

Marianne served as Capital Public Radio’s Managing Editor for News through July 2015.  Read Full Bio 

Sign up for ReCap and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

 

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

Thank you for signing up for the ReCap newsletter! We'll send you an email each Friday with the top stories from CapRadio.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

Mario Tama/Getty Images

It's not just Adderall: The number of drugs in short supply rose by 30% last year

March 24, 2023

AP Photo/Allen Breed, File

Bill to extend time to investigate scams against older Californians advances

March 28, 2023

Gregory Bull / AP Photo

CSU faculty salary study shows wide dissatisfaction despite pay being at national averages

March 25, 2023

Most Viewed

State may scale down its new home loan program designed to assist first-time homebuyers

California coronavirus updates: The FDA may soon authorize another round of boosters for some individuals

California coronavirus updates: Americans' life expectancy has dropped to 76 years, second time in a row since pandemic

10 new California laws that go into effect in 2023

Need help for loved ones with severe mental health illness? California has a plan

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

State may scale down its new home loan program designed to assist first-time homebuyers

California coronavirus updates: The FDA may soon authorize another round of boosters for some individuals

California coronavirus updates: Americans' life expectancy has dropped to 76 years, second time in a row since pandemic

10 new California laws that go into effect in 2023

Need help for loved ones with severe mental health illness? California has a plan

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    •  
      (916) 278-8900
    •  
      (877) 480-5900
    •  Contact / Feedback
    •  Submit a Tip / Story Idea
  • About

    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Stations & Coverage Map
    • Careers & Internships
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Press
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile Apps
    • Smart Speakers
    • Podcasts & Shows
    • On-Air Schedules
    • Daily Playlist
    • Signal Status
  • Connect

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen Live

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2023, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.