DETROIT – The American Heart Association wants metro Detroiters to let their footsteps be heard as they start their journey to better heart health at the Metro Detroit Heart Walk at Ford Field on June 8 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Stadium doors open at 8 a.m. followed by a welcome ceremony at 10 a.m., then the walk at 10:30 a.m. This event is free to the public, however, individuals and teams are encouraged to register and fundraise in advance.
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Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death while stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in Americans.
The annual Heart Walk is a nationwide event that allows attendees to participate in physical activities while raising funds for heart disease and stroke research and education. Thousands will walk or run through downtown Detroit to celebrate those living with or lost from heart disease.
"When you join Heart Walk, you join more than a million people in 350 cities across America in taking a stand against heart disease and helping save lives," said Joel Kahn, chair of the Metro Detroit Heart Walk and professor of Medicine at Wayne State University's School of Medicine. "From every dollar raised through the Heart Walk campaign, three dollars goes back into the community to help improve the lives of Michigan residents."
Attendees can participate in a wide range of activities including: a mascot race, Fifth Third Kids' Zone, Bokwa fitness demonstration, health screenings and live entertainment among others. Radio Disney and Sean Lee of WWJ News Radio 950 will also be on-site to interact with the crowd. Attendees have the option to participate in a 1-mile or 3-mile walk, or the Barton Malow 5K Fun Run/Walk. This year, the Association added a Torch Ceremony to honor those impacted by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
"The Heart Walk is more than a one-day celebration," said Kahn. "It is the first step to a longer and healthier life free from cardiovascular disease and stroke."
Parking for the Detroit Heart Walk is available for $4 through Ampco System Parking in Lots 4, 5, and 6 and for $5 through Olympia Entertainment in Lots 1, 2, 3 and W. Follow the Metro Detroit Heart Walk event on Twitter using the hashtag #DetroitHeartWalk.
The Heart Walk is nationally sponsored by Subway and Jenny Craig. The Metro Detroit Heart Walk is locally sponsored by FMR, Fifth Third Bank, Meritor, Ford Field and Levy Restaurants. For more information about the Heart Walk and registration, visit miheartwalk.org or call 248-936-5782.