The Y Hosts Free Family Fun Run at the Robert C. Polk Memorial Heart Healthy Event
EVERETT, WA. May 31, 2023 – The YMCA of Snohomish County is hosting a free 1-mile Family Fun Run and exercise classes at the Robert C. Polk Memorial Heart Healthy Event on Saturday, June 3 from 10 am – 1 pm at Everett Memorial Stadium (3802 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201). The Y, along with other Snohomish County organizations, is partnering with Tara Polk to create awareness and educate the community about heart health.
“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.”
Robert C. Polk, former Everett School District Athletic Director and active Everett community member 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, so his passing was unexpected.
“His sudden passing didn’t make sense. Why didn’t we know what was going to happen?” said Tara Polk. “Since we’re both educators, it’s only fitting to honor him through this moment of education. I hope that people will participate and leave the event knowing a little more, having a great time, and getting some exercise.”
The Y will be hosting an ongoing 1-mile fun run, as well as dance, yoga, Zumba, and mindfulness classes taught by YMCA instructors. There will be prizes for fun run finishers and information about the Y available to participants.
“This event features two things that are of great importance to the Y: health and connection,” said Gael Gebow, Association Director of Healthy Living & Membership Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “We’re honored to participate in this event and share our love of health and wellness with the community.”
This event falls during National CPR/AED Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training and education. Other organizations that will be attending include Nick of Time Foundation, Everett Aquasox, Everett Community College Nursing Students, Providence, Refit, and more.
“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 the Facebook event page at facebook.com/RobertCPolkMemorial. For more information about health and wellness programs and classes at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.