For the 30th year of the Expo at America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is offering a new experience.
“I have been volunteering with the Expo for all 30 years of its existence,” says Expo Chairman Dr. Mark Schug. “I have seen the Expo evolve and grow. It truly is a community experience, and we encourage everyone, whether or not you will be walking or running, to take part. We are excited about the new opportunities being offered this year.”
Dr. Mark Schug, Expo Chairman, discusses changes at this year’s Expo
Organizers of the My Heart. My Life. Expo announced the event’s new format during a news conference Monday morning. This year, the experience throughout the Expo, including various vendors, will have an increased focus on health and wellness. The Expo will look different, too. The gym will be divided into zones. Each zone will have a different theme and color scheme. Zones will focus on different areas of heart-health, such as physical activity or nutrition. There will also be a Kids Zone featuring family-friendly entertainment, crafts, photos with characters, and physical activity demonstrations.
Expo Zones:
- Fitness Zone, sponsored by Assist 2 Sell
- Healthy Living Zone, sponsored by Northern Safety
- Healthy Eating Zone, sponsored by NBT Bank
- Business Zone, sponsored by Utica Observer-Dispatch
- Kids Zone, sponsored by AmeriCU Credit Union
- Demo Area, sponsored by Oneida Healthcare
- Health & Wellness Screening Area, sponsored by MVHS
In addition to the new zones, there will be a new way to win at the Expo. Participants can find entry forms in the Utica Observer-Dispatch and online. Completed forms must be turned to the information booths at the Expo. Forms cannot be mailed or brought to the American Heart Association office. Winners will be drawn every half-hour for prize packages worth at least $100. Participants do not have to be present to win.
Several crowd favorites will still be part of the Expo. Participants can take part in health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk score tests, in the Health & Wellness area with MVHS. The WIBX Heart Radiothon, presented by Slocum Dickson Medical Group, and the WKTV Telethon, presented by UFCW Local One, will still broadcast live from the gym during the Expo and throughout the Heart Run & Walk.
Shuttle service will be available for anyone interested in attending the Expo. Participants can use the easy Park and Ride Shuttle Service provided by Birnie Bus. Park at Our Lady of the Rosary on Burrstone Road or the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center on Noyes Street and take the shuttle to and from Utica College. Shuttles will be available all day.
The My Heart. My Life. Expo will be held Friday, March 4th from 9am-9pm in the Harold T. Clark Jr. Athletic Center at Utica College. The Expo is a registration site for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on March 5th.
America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2016 is locally sponsored by NYCM Insurance; Scalzo, Zogby and Wittig, Inc. Insurance; MetLife & MetLife Foundation; Carbone Auto Group; and AmeriCU Credit Union. It is sponsored nationally by SUBWAY® Restaurants. America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk Weekend’s fundraising goal is $1,090,817. A minimum amount of $30 in pledges for participants 16 years and older is required at registration to participate in the Heart Run & Walk. For more information on America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2016, please contact the American Heart Association at 315.580.3964 or visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org.