Walsh Students Fundraise, Promote Healthy Lifestyles With 5K

Students of the Walsh University Doctor of Physical Therapy program are using their second annual Fit Family 5K to show the community what their profession is all about.

"We’re trying to get everyone in the community involved and get them all living a healthy lifestyle and put an emphasis on what we’re trying to promote with our profession, which is wellness and well being," said Olivia Richardson, physical therapy student and race organizer.

The race, which is part of the Subway Challenge Series, takes place from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Sept. 15 at Walsh University. Check-in is at the David Campus Center, and stretching and other activities start at 8:20 a.m. at the Walsh University track.

Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for students when runners register in advance. Same-day registration starts at 7 a.m. that day and is $25 for all runners. 

Online registration closes at 5 p.m. Sept. 13.

Richardson said they're ready to give out about 90 prizes and awards for the top three male and female runners and for the top three runners in each age bracket.

"There are definitely some good opportunities for people to win some prizes this year," she said.

The race raises money for students to attend physical therapy conferences throughout the year.

"We have a lot of professional conferences around the county we can attend and see a whole different aspect of our profession," Richardson said.

Kids Fun Run

The half-mile kids fun run, which is open to children of all ages, costs $5 in advance and the day of the race.

All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt, and all children who finish the race receive an award.

Children also can hang out at the David Center while their parents participate in the 5K. There, they can play games, jump in the bounce house and get their faces painted.