EVERETT, WA. June 3, 2024. — The YMCA of Snohomish County is hosting a free Healthy Heart Fun Run at the 2nd Annual Healthy Heart Fair on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am – 1 pm at Everett Memorial Stadium (3802 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201). The Y is partnering with other Snohomish County organizations to create awareness and educate the community about heart health.
“We are delighted and proud to partner with the Healthy Heart Fair for the second year,” said Gael Gebow, Association Director of Healthy Living & Membership Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our commitment at the Y is improving the health of our community so hosting a fun run at an event that promotes heart health is a natural partnership.”
The 90-minute Healthy Heart Fun Run will be held on the track from 10:30 am – Noon. There will be special prizes for the top finishers who complete the most laps in two divisions: age 10 and under and age 11+. Finisher medals and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the first 100 participants. Waves start every 15 minutes, beginning at 10:30 am.
“Run or walk for 15 minutes or join us for the full 90 minutes,” said Gebow. “Any type of movement is a simple way to help prevent heart disease and cardiac events, as well as so many other adverse health conditions.”
The event is held in memory of Robert C. Polk, former Everett School District Athletic Director and active Everett community member who passed away from a sudden heart attack in 2021. Robert Polk was a college athlete and physical education major with lots of health and fitness knowledge, but his family wasn’t aware of all the signs and symptoms of heart attack.
“The goal of this event is for the community to better understand how to be healthy at every stage in life,” said Tara Polk, Robert’s wife. “I want people to learn the symptoms of a heart attack and what kinds of exercise we need as we age to get optimal health benefits. I hope that people will participate and leave the event knowing a little more, having a great time, and getting some exercise.”
This event falls during National CPR/AED Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training and education. The event is free and open to the community.
“This event will honor Robert and help others in the community,” said Tara Polk. “Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until it was too late. My goal is to prevent that from happening to another family.”
For more information about the event, please visit healthyheartfair.com. For more information about health and wellness programs and classes at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.
