Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit! 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) held a “Get Ready! Get Set! Get fit!” 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk in august of 2010. Over one thousand participants, ranging in age from 2 to 98 joined to raise awareness of the need for senior citizens to exercise to reduce heart disease and obesity and increase overall wellness and longevity. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and health, inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. Lack of physical activity can also lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. Regular, moderate physical activity, such as walking and running, can help manage stress, reduce obesity, improve mood, reduce feelings of depression, improve cognitive function, and increase lifespan. The “Get Ready! Get Set! Get fit!” event was a partnership between BCDA, Towson University, and the 20 senior centers in Baltimore County, MD. Participation was garnered from seniors, their children, grandchildren, friends, college students and running enthusiasts. The event raised over $25,000 to purchase equipment for the fitness rooms in the senior centers and provide exercise classes.