Boston Scientific Heart of Summer Race Set for August 18
Running is good for the body; running for a cause is good for the soul. Those participating in the Boston Scientific Heart of Summer 5K and 10K Race Aug. 18 will get the best of both worlds. The goal of the race–open to runners of all speeds, shapes, and ages–is to educate the public about the role of health and fitness in the prevention of heart disease and to increase awareness about womens’ unique heart disease risks.
“We ultimately hope the event serves as a wake-up call,†says Dave Knutson, spokesperson for Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management.
During the race, nearly 1,600 walkers and runners follow a course around beautiful Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. They participate to celebrate survivors, honor lives lost, and do their part to raise community awareness of women’s heart-health risks, symptoms, and prevention.
As the title sponsor, Boston Scientific–the world’s largest medical device company with local divisions in Maple Grove and Arden Hills–pays all expenses associated with the Heart of Summer.
“We take on the expenses so we can donate 100 percent of the proceeds to local heart-health initiatives,†Knutson explains. “We’re proud to be part of an event that raises awareness of women’s heart-health issues in the community.â€
Community partners receiving proceeds from the race include HealthEast Care System, Mayo Clinic, WomenHeart, and University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview. Last year, a total of $25,000 was donated to area heart clinics.
HealthEast used the proceeds last year to create a partnership between the HealthEast’s Women’s Heart Advantage Program and the HealthEast Women’s Wellness Program, says Kimberly Morgan with HealthEast marketing and communications. HealthEast has been a long-time sponsor of Go Red For Women.
“The dollars were used to help with heart screening and educational materials for women to identify the signs and symptoms of heart attacks in women,†Morgan says.
HealthEast is further involved with the race by hosting 11 weeks of Heart of Summer Training Clinics, complete with health screenings, speakers, and four separate training groups: Walking, Walk-to-Running, 5K, and 10K.
“The clinics are for people who are just starting an exercise program on up to experienced runners wanting to build their endurance,†Morgan explains.
An added bonus of the race is the Hearts in Action Health Fair Friday, Aug.17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mall of America’s Main Rotunda, located on the first floor between Bloomingdale’s and Sears. The health fair will feature free health screenings, speaker presentations, and an American Heart Association display. Racers can pick up their race packets and participant t-shirts at the health fair.
Registration for the Heart of Summer 5K and 10K events is now open. There are three tiers of races–the Elite Women’s 10K Chip-timed race at 7:30 a.m.; the Co-ed 10K Run/Walk Chip-timed event at 7:35 a.m.; and the noncompetitive, family-friendly, nontimed co-ed 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m.
Go to www.active.com to register online or www.HeartofSummer.org to download a registration form.
There is a $20 fee for the 5K race, and $25 fee for the 10K. Online registration will close Aug. 14 at midnight.
