WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Parks and Recreation in Winnsboro hosted their first annual Got Heart 5K this past Saturday, Feb. 5.
February is designated as American Heart Month in an effort to raise awareness concerning cardiovascular health and heart disease. Fairfield County Parks and Recreation Interim Director and Athletic Coordinator Lucas Vance emphasized the importance of advocating for heart health.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to really focus on ways to promote and maintain heart health,” he stated.
The inaugural 5K race brought in approximately 75 runners from all over the midlands and offered a time for people to focus on their cardiovascular health.
In addition, Eau Claire Cooperative Health was on site to provide accessible and high quality health information. Fairfield Forward, a non-profit organization that believes in using collaboration to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible, provided post-race snacks and resources to build a healthy community.
Colin Young, 45, of Columbia, finished first overall in the male division with a stunning time of 17 minutes and 52 seconds. Lynn Grimes, 70, of Blythewood, finished first overall in the female division with a remarkable time of 26 minutes and 37 seconds. Awards were given out to first and second place winners in age group categories of 5-year increments through ages 70+.
Fairfield County Parks and Recreation will host next year’s event.
“I’m excited to promote the special event,” said Health and Fitness Specialist Lynn Tanner.
“We have already firmed up the first weekend of February 2023 and are looking to double the participation for next year,” she said.
Tanner coordinates the GET FIT! Fairfield 12-week weight loss challenge and presented the Got Heart 5K as not only an opportunity to participate in a health event but also to participate right here in our home town. The Get Fit 12-week challenge presents a variety of weekly activities, healthy recipes and fitness facts to help promote a more independent and healthy lifestyle.
“Our participants not only earned points for the 5k, but also additional points with their whole team building more healthy comradery and support,” Tanner said.
The Get Fit! Fairfield challenge is housed at the Community Fitness Center in Winnsboro, which recently celebrated its one year anniversary after opening in February of 2021.
