Heath’s Easter tradition gets new twist
HEATH, TX (March 16, 2015) The City of Heath’s traditional Easter Saturday celebration on April 4 expands this year to include not only the Heart of Heath 5k, but a new Family Run and fun fitness activities for all ages in Town Center Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“Hosting the Heart of Heath 5k on Easter weekend has become a popular tradition for our community,” said Mayor Lorne Liechty. “This year we’re adding new activities that we hope will bring even more people out to enjoy the camaraderie of a great event that showcases our Towne Center Park and growing trail system.”
5k Heart of Heath Tradition
The centerpiece of this outdoor celebration is the Heart of Heath 5k, which as always remains family-friendly and open to all ages and athletic abilities, ranging from the casual walker or baby jogger to the elite runner.
The start and finish lines will be chip timed, and the course is USATF certified with professional race management provided by theRockwallRunningCenter. 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 three runners overall.
New Family Run
If you or the younger ones in your family aren’t quite up to a 5k, the Family Run is the perfect opportunity to test out your wheels on a one-mile course. For a little seasonal whimsy and great photo op, there will be free bunny ears for the kids. And who knows, the Easter bunny himself might hop on by for the runner’s warm-up presented by Deidre’ Bramlett of Studio M Dance at 8 a.m.
The Family Run starts at 8:15 a.m., the 5k begins at 8:30 a.m., and 5k awards and prize drawings will follow at 9:30. Run registrants will get a Dri-Fit T-shirt while supplies last.
Registration and Packet Pick Up
The early registration fee for the 5k is $20 by April 3; the race-day fee is $30; and kids 14 and under run for $15. The Family Run is $10 per person.
Register at heathtx.com.
Pre-registration packet pickup will be Friday, April 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Rockwall Running Center’s new location at 539 E. I-30 in Rockwall. Event day packet pickup and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds from the run benefit City of Heath trails and parks.
Other Fun & Fitness Activities
Even after the runners cross the start line, Towne Center Park will be a hive of activity. Here’s what to expect:
- Some of the area’s popular fitness instructors will lead mini-demo classes like Piyo, Zumba/Cardio Dance and Yoga. If you plan to participate, bring a mat!
- The Rockwall Black Belt Academy’s youth demo team will show off their martial art moves. Your own child may be inspired to join them in “breaking a board.”
- The bright and cheery Artstream Mobile Art Studio will be onsite, as owner Nikole Swize presents a fun and educational Easter craft for children.
- Lil’ Kickers Soccer for Kids from the RISE will host an action course, offering budding players a chance to test their skills.
- Learn more about adult and youth sailing programs available through the Rush Creek Yacht Club while kids explore an Opti sailboat.
- Play a round of giant-size chess, checkers, Jenga or Connect 4…good old-fashioned croquet and bocce will be set up, too.
- Hydrate and refresh with complementary healthy treats like a mini-fruit smoothie from Smoothie King, granola bars and plenty of icy cold water.
Fun & Fit in the Park is presented by the City of Heath Special Events Board: Sarah Corrigan; Tami Hogan; Jenni Knox; Mary Luxton; and Eliana McGrath.
“It’s going to be a great day out in our park. Envision a touch of Klyde Warren Park combined with our own special brand of hometown friendliness,” organizers said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how the community responds to the variety of recreation and fitness activities planned,” said Jenni Knox, who joined the board in the Fall of 2014. “We want to be sure that even if you don’t run, you have plenty of reasons to come join the festivities.”
The Special Events Board is also planning a full calendar of community gatherings In The Park for 2015, including Movies in the Park in June and bringing back Heath National Night Out in conjunction with the Heath Department of Public Safety in October.
The 2015 Special Events Series is generously sponsored by Host Sponsor Lakeside Chevrolet. Presenting sponsors are American National Bank; Atmos Energy; Artstream Mobile Art Studio; Chase; Dental Professionals of Rockwall; Horton & Archibald; Heath Salon & Spa; North Texas Orthopaedic Specialists; and Suddenlink. Supporting sponsors are Justin Holland/Regal, Realtors; Liechty & McGinnis Attorneys & Counselors; Oncor; Pabian Partners, Inc.; Progressive Waste Solutions; Rockwall Running Center; Smoothie King; Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital; Urban Air Trampoline Park; and Karen Wydra/Ebby Halliday, Realtors.
Schedule of Events
Easter Saturday, April 4, 8-11 a.m.
Town Center Park, behind Heath City Hall
Friday, April 3
1 – 5 p.m. Packet Pickup/Registration
Rockwall Running Center, 539 E. I-30
Saturday, April 4
7:30 a.m. Packet Pickup/Onsite Registration
8:00 a.m. Runner’s WarmUp, Deidre’ Bramlett, Studio M Dance
8:15 a.m. Family Run
8:30 a.m. 5k Run
9:15 a.m. Taekwondo Class Demo, Robert Powell, Rockwall Black Belt Academy
9:30 a.m. 5K Runner Awards/Prize Drawings for 5K & Family Run Participants
10:00 a.m. Piyo Class Demo, Deidre’ Bramlett, Studio M Dance
10:15 a.m. Zumba/Cardio Dance Class Demo, Raina McIlwain, Eclipse, Results and Urban Air Fitness
10:30 a.m. Yoga Class Demo, Gracie Wheeler, YMCA, Eclipse, and Urban Air
8 – 11 a.m. Fun & Fitness Activities
- Giant-Size Games – Chess, Checkers, Jenga and Connect 4
- Easter Craft for Children, Artstream Mobile Studio
- Soccer Drills/Skills Obstacle Course, Lil’ Kickers Soccer Program/RISE
- Tadpole and Junior Sailing Program Exploration, RushCreek Yacht Club
- Croquet and Bocce
- Healthy Refreshments, complimentary smoothies by Smoothie King and Juice It Up
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