Community members gathered Saturday, March 7, for the 2nd Annual Atchison Community Heart Month Challenge and 2K Fun Run/Walk, an event focused on encouraging physical activity and raising awareness about heart health.
Interest in the event has continued to grow in its second year. Nearly 300 people registered for the Heart Month Challenge, and 135 participants took part in the 2K Fun Run/Walk, nearly doubling participation from last year.
Participants began the morning at the Atchison Family YMCA and headed to the Riverfront Park, where they completed the 2K route while enjoying mild weather. After the walk and run, attendees continued the event indoors with several activities centered on heart health and wellness.
Community members had the opportunity to learn more about heart-healthy habits, enjoy heart-healthy snacks, and receive free blood pressure checks provided by students from the Highland Community College Technical Center School of Nursing. Attendees also participated in interactive activities, including a selfie wall and a pledge wall, where participants shared how they plan to add more physical activity to their daily routines.
Participants were also entered to win prizes, including an air fryer, fire pit, Kindle, and four children’s bicycles.
The event was made possible with support from the Atchison Family YMCA/Cray Community Center, which hosted the event and offered a free five-week membership to the Y to challenge participants.
Amberwell also recognized Desaray Wilson and Camron Roloff of the Cardiac Rehab team at Amberwell Atchison, who organized and coordinated the event.
The Heart Month Challenge and Fun Run/Walk aims to bring the community together while encouraging simple, everyday steps that support long-term heart health. We hope the continued growth of the event will inspire even more community members to stay active throughout the year.