02 Aug
Promise Community Health Center and Sioux Center Health want everyone in the community to become a “healthy hero.
That’s why they are joining forces again to put on the second annual Healthy Heroes 5K Race / 1-mile Family Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 21. This year, the event will be held at Children’s Park in Sioux Center.
The 5-kilometer race (3.1 miles) is slated for 8:30 a.m. The free 1-mile Family Fun Walk, or run, will start at 9:30 a.m. A health fair featuring an array of interactive games and activities will be offered 9-11 a.m.
Register online for the event at: HealthyHeroes2019.eventbrite.com. People also can stop in and register in person at Promise.
Everyone in the community is invited to attend – no matter your fitness level.
“Promise and Sioux Center Health believe that a healthy, vibrant community is only possible if we have healthy and vibrant families,” said Stephanie Van Ruler, population health manager at Promise and one of the event coordinators. “Early prevention and early access to education and health resources are keys to building a better tomorrow. There are many building blocks that bring about a flourishing and healthy community. This event is just one of many blocks that helps build the foundation for the future.”
Healthy Heroes is being held during September for National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month as a way to promote awareness about the dangers of childhood obesity and the positive effects of wellness for both children and adults.
Therefore, the timing and purpose is to promote healthy lifestyles – fitting with the theme.
“Choosing health is a super power,” Van Ruler said. “Starting healthy habits early on in life sets our kids up for success and health as they grow.”
The 5K run will be timed, and metals will be awarded for the top 3 places in each age division. The registration fee for the 5K is $15 for adults and $10 for youth 17 years old and younger. Participants also will receive a complimentary event T-shirt.
The 1-mile event will be free. The route will include interactive activity stops hosted by local physical therapy and wellness personnel, including obstacle courses, balance activities and more. Runners, walkers and children riding strollers are welcome. Any family who has two or more participants will be able to enter a drawing for a family summer pass to the Siouxnami Water Park in Sioux Center.
Participants also are encouraged to dress up again as a superhero to fit the theme of the event. A prize for “Best Dressed” will be awarded again.
Along with the 5K and 1-mile events, several organizations in the community will offer various educational and fun activities for families, including car-seat checks, storybook walk, superhero photo booth, spray tattoos, 5-2-1-0 healthy habits, nutrition information and more. Everyone who completes a bingo card for the booths will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize.
Van Ruler said the inaugural event was “a huge success,” so the organizers are excited about what this year will bring.
“Walking around and watching the event unfold was surreal,” she said. “There was laughter, chatter and squeals of excitement – the sounds of kids learning, laughing and growing together. We learned a lot from the first year and hope that this year is even better than last year.”
AT A GLANCE:
What: Healthy Heroes Run & Walk
When: Saturday, September, 21
8:30 a.m. – 5K Race
9:30 a.m. – 1-mile Family Fun Walk
9-11 a.m. – Health Fair
Where: Children’s Park; Sioux Center, IA
How: Register online at HealthyHeroes2019.eventbrite.com. Or, stop in or call Stephanie Van Ruler at Promise Community Health Center.
Who: Sponsored by Promise Community HealthCenter and Sioux Center Health
Why: Promote healthy lifestyles for people in community.
For more info, contact: Stephanie Van Ruler, Promise CHC, at svanruler@promisechc.org or Krystal Vander Pol, Sioux Center Health, at krystal.vanderpol@siouxcenterhealth.org.