Fun will meet fitness at Emancipation Park on Sunday, February 3, 2019, as the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) calls on citizens to be “Heart Heroes” by helping a fellow Jamaican in need of screening by participating in the Crystal Spring Run for Your Heart 5K/2K.
The HFJ, through its mandate of “Promoting a Heart-Healthy Jamaica,” will host the run to encourage Jamaicans to take responsibility for their health.
Speaking to a group of reporters and editors at a recent tour of the HFJ facilities, senior manager responsible for marketing and fund development at the HFJ, Karen Anderson, said that the Run is of great significance as it focuses on physical activity as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases—the leading cause of death globally and in Jamaica.
“There is a high prevalence of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease yearly in Jamaica and countries across the world. There are numerous factors, including hypertension and obesity that can lead to cardiovascular disease. We have a mandate to fulfil, and we are working to keep our screening and testing costs at an affordable rate for Jamaicans in need of such services.”
“The Run, come February 3, will help us to give Jamaicans a unique opportunity to become advocates for heart health and engage in a unique educational experience,” she added.
Also at the tour was managing director at Running Events Limited, Alfred “Frano” Francis who lauds the Foundation for the remarkable job that they are doing.
In helping to spread awareness about the benefits of fostering a healthy lifestyle he notes that, “One of the things that we try to incorporate at the start of a race is we tell people that, if you have loved ones who you want to share your life with and you’d want them to be around, you have to encourage them to take on best practices where their health is concerned. The repercussion if we don’t, is we might lose them.”
“On February 3 we will be hosting the third staging of the Run For Your Heart 5K. This year, in the true spirit of promoting health awareness, we will include a 2K to encourage persons to leave their couches and do their part to safeguard their health. Patrons will also have an opportunity to participate in a walk/run around the track inside the Park.
Jamaicans, locally and overseas, can make contributions to the Foundation through their website payment portal at www.heartfoundationja.org. Additionally, persons can sign up and participate in the Run For Your Heart 5K/2K. Participants may register online at www.runningeventsja.com or www.heartfoundationja.org/payments. The registration period closes on Friday, February 1, 2019.
Registration costs are: $1,500 for individuals and teams with fewer than 50 entrants and $1,200 for teams with 50 or more entrants with a complimentary tent. Cash payments can be made to The Heart Foundation of Jamaica located at 28 Beechwood Avenue in Kingston.
Race packages can be picked up at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica on Friday, February 1 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturday, February 2 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. There will be no pick up on race day.
Be a “Heart Hero” and help the Foundation to promote a heart-healthy Jamaica by adopting a more heart-healthy lifestyle.
About the run:
The Run is a fundraising campaign initiated by the HFJ that aims to educate Jamaicans about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and raising much-needed funds associated with keeping the organisation’s testing and screening services at a subsidised rate.