Easter tradition continues with Heart of Heath

Roughly 400 runners and walkers registered for the 2012 Heart of Heath 5k Run/Walk on Easter Saturday.

Thursday, March 28 is the last day to register online

Register now at heathtx.com

(HEATH-March 27, 2013) Gather friends and family and continue the Easter weekend tradition with the
Heart of Heath 5k Run/Walk on Easter Saturday, March 30.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages and athletic abilities ranging from the casual walker or baby jogger to the elite runner.

The fun begins rain or shine at 8:30 a.m. at Heath City Hall, 200 Laurence Dr. Online registration is available at heathtx.com, or in person at City Hall.

“Hosting the Heart of Heath 5K Run/Walk on Easter weekend has been a popular decision for this hometown tradition,” said Gayle Kurht, chairman of the City of Heath’s Special Events Board. “Our participation has increased each year as people come out to share the camaraderie of a great event that promotes healthy lifestyles and community involvement.”

Beginning at 8:15 a.m., the roads along the race course will be closed for about 45 minutes to an hour and will re-open earlier if at all possible. Here's a map of the race route.

For the first time this year, the start and finish lines will be chip timed. The course is USATF certified with professional race management provided by the Rockwall Running Center.

The male and female race categories are divided by age with awards presented to the top three in each class as well as awards going to the top runners overall and over-40 masters winners.

New five-year age brackets from age 20 to 70 and over are: 20-25; 26-30; 31-35; 36-40; 41-45; 46-50; 51-55; 56-60; 61-65; 66-70; and 70+. Youth age brackets are: u-11; 12-14; and 15-19.

A Dri-Fit T-shirt bearing the Heart of Heath logo will be given to every participant while supplies last, and drawings will be held after the race for door prizes donated by local merchants.

The early registration fee is $20 by March 28; and $25 thereafter including the morning of the race. The youth registration fee is $10 in advance and at the race.

Pre-registration packet pick up will be Friday, March 29 from noon to 6 p.m. at Rockwall Running Center, 811 E. Yellow Jacket Lane. Packet pickup and registration at the race will begin at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:15 warm up.

All proceeds from the run benefit City of Heath trails and parks.  If you or your business would like to be a sponsor or prize donor, please contact Kim Dobbs at 972-771-6228 or .

A new feature of the 2012 Heart of Heath was the Bunny Run for children five and under.

Submitted by Suzanne Brooke, City of Heath, Communications. 

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