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Thousands to Start! walking at Heart Walk/10K Run
More than 3,000 people will take steps to improve their health and Start! dedicating themselves to living heart-healthy lifestyles when they participate in the American Heart Association Toledo Start! Heart Walk and 10K run.
The non-competitive, one and three-mile walk and 10K run will take place on May 21 at The University of Toledo’s Glass Bowl Stadium, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo. The annual event raises funds to support heart disease and stroke research and educational programs in both Lucas and Wood counties and throughout Ohio. It also promotes walking as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Everyone knows someone affected by cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability in the United States,” said Mark Moser, vice president of marketing at Paramount Insurance, who is acting as chairman of the 2011 Toledo Start! Heart Walk and 10K Run. “The Heart Walk gives all of us a chance to contribute to the American Heart Association’s local efforts and to research for heart disease and stroke.”
The event, which begins with registration at 8 am., features a kids’ run at 9 a.m., opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and a 10K run that begins at 9:45 a.m. The walk portions of the event kick off at 10:15 am. The festival concludes at noon.
Heart disease and stroke are the number-one and number-three killers in the Toledo area, together responsible for 33 percent of all deaths. Nationwide, these cardiovascular diseases kill more than 930,000 Americans each year. The walkers represent individuals, families, businesses and community groups. Participants who are heart disease or stroke survivors will wear red caps at the event. The fund-raising goal for this year’s event is $275,000.
Proceeds raised from the walk will support the American Heart Association’s research, educational, and advocacy programs throughout the greater Toledo area, including groundbreaking cardiovascular research at The University of Toledo, Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs in local schools; and advocacy efforts state wide to help pass laws that keep the air clean and our children physically fit.
For information about participating, call the American Heart Association at 419-740-6181 or visit Heartwalk.kintera.org/toledooh.
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