On Friday, March 22, Memorial Hospital of Chester hosted their 3rd Annual Community Fun Run/Walk at the Chester Cohen Complex. 115 individuals participated in the event, and 6 businesses joined in with informational tables and free goodies. “It was such a wonderful turnout, and we had a great time!,” exclaimed Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator at Memorial. “This year’s numbers are the largest we have seen. Last year we hosted the event in May, and it was almost too warm, we were blessed with good weather for our March date this year and were very happy with the turnout.”
Participants at the event started out with a warm-up led by Memorial Hospital’s Therapy & Sports Rehab Center (TSRC) Director and Physical Therapist, Ryan Schaal and TSRC Supervisor, Bailey Misuraca.
Participants then walked, ran, or wheeled around the paved path and enjoyed the company of friends and family while getting active. During their stroll they were able to visit tables and learn about other health and wellness services and pick up some goodies. After a few laps, they had the opportunity to visit Juicy J’s Concession stand, which served up refreshments.
This annual event encourages the community to get outside and move to maintain or improve their health and wellness. Participating businesses included: Buena Vista National Bank, U of I Extension, Randolph County YMCA, Illinois CATCH Onto Health Consortium, the Randolph County Health Department, and Dieterich Bank of Chester.
The fun run/walk was also organized as a kick-off event for the Randolph County Health Department's, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Committee's, "Get Movin' Randolph County" campaign that will take place throughout April. This health and wellness campaign encourages individuals and families to improve their health. Worksheets are provided for participants to track their movement and once completed, they can turn in their sheet for a free t-shirt at the wrap-up event in Red Bud in May. Learn more at getmovinrandolphcounty.org.
“The goal of the event is for people to get active and take initiative to improve their health and wellness,” says Bargman. “Memorial Hospital works with health organizations throughout our area to help promote healthy living. We were happy to partner with the Health Department for a kick-off event.” Memorial Hospital plans to host this event again next spring.