3rd Annual Healthy Hearts 5K
Mar 22, 2013 12:00 am
Photo: May 19, 2013
RUMFORD- It’s that time of year again when the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition is gearing up for their annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run/Walk. In its’ third year, this community event is growing in participation and in bringing awareness to the River Valley.
Sandra Witas, co-organizer of the event, stated, “I just can’t believe how this event has taken off. I’m so excited to know that we’re able to do something for the community as a whole to promote a healthier lifestyle and to help bring awareness to the three benefactors of the funds raised.”
The funds are on a rotating schedule to benefit the American Heart Association, Rumford Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Clinic, and this year, the Maine Harvest for Hunger program.
The race will be held on Sunday, May 19, and will begin at 10 a.m. sharp, with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 9:30 a.m.
The cost for registering is just $20 if you register online before May 16, or $25 on race day.
If you want to register your student, and as a family, the cost is just $10 for a family of four and an additional $5 for every person after that.
“We definitely want to raise funds,” noted Witas. “But, we’re also trying to target the younger generation to start a healthy lifestyle as early as they can. We want to help them become aware of the benefits of being active and making good food choices.”
Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in both men and women’s categories of 17 and under, 18 to 49, and 50 and over. The top three walkers overall will also receive an award.
New this year will be Uniquely Yours Massage on hand to loosen those tight muscles before the race or to help massage those sore spots after the race. Free EKG heart assessments will again be provided by Med-Care Ambulance and post-race fuel will be provided by Pizza Hut.
While supplies last, free sun gold tomato seedlings will be handed out to participants and each registrant will receive a free Heartbeat bag. As the race date nears, more exciting news will be revealed. But, don’t miss out on your free shirt, be one of the first 75 to register.
Any school, community group or business wishing to enter a team is urged to contact RVHCC by calling 364-7408, or emailing Sandra Witas at rvhccwitas@gwi.net to do so.