On May 18, 2024, the Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk will return to West Potomac Park — the site of the first-ever Lawyers Have Heart race back in 1991! A virtual option is also available for those to run or walk wherever inspiration strikes.
Lawyers Have Heart brings together runners and walkers — of all ages and levels of experience — to raise funds for the American Heart Association (AHA) for research, prevention and awareness of heart disease and stroke. This year’s race is also in commemoration of the AHA’s centennial celebration. Founded in 1924, the AHA is devoted to a world of healthier lives for all and has helped transform the nation’s health, significantly reducing heart disease and stroke death rates.
The 10K course will cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge featuring stunning views of the Potomac River, circle the Tidal Basin, and head down East Potomac Street. Following the race, participants, friends and families can enjoy the finish line festival, which will include a hospitality tent and other interactive stations.
We’re thrilled to work with Co-Chairs Harrity & Harrity LLP Co-Founder, John Harrity and American University Washington College of Law’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs, David Jaffe. This is Harrity and Jaffe’s fourth-year co-chairing Lawyers Have Heart, and Harrity and Harrity LLP is once again the presenting sponsor for the event.
Returning LHH co-chairs, David Jaffe and John Harrity, along with AHA GWR Executive Director, Soula Antoniou
“This race is personal to me as a heart attack survivor. My life was saved by science funded by the AHA,” said Harrity. “As we head into their second century of life-saving impact, our focus remains on fueling science and innovation, funding research and supporting the rights of patients and caregivers, to empower healthier communities and advance the way we live, work and play.”
For Jaffe, Lawyers Have Heart is an important moment to highlight the need for legal professionals to manage stress. Research shows that chronic stressors like long work hours, financial stress, and work-life conflict may be as risky for health as secondhand smoke. “Managing stress is key to maintaining good heart health; this is especially true for legal professionals and others in high stress careers. I’m proud to support the AHA in raising awareness about the critical links between mental health, stress and heart health,” said Jaffe.
Lawyers Have Heart raised a record-breaking $1.42 million in 2023. The event began in 1991 as a running and walking event for the legal community, and a way to highlight the link between physical activity and stress reduction especially in high stress professions like the law. It has since evolved into a highlight on DC’s running calendar, annually attracting over 6,500 runners and walkers of all levels of experience and from all walks of life. The race has grown in the virtual space as well with participation last year from around the world including throughout the United States, England, Croatia, Spain, South Africa, Japan, Turkey and Chile. To date, Lawyers Have Heart has raised over $20 million to benefit the American Heart Association to further its mission as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
2023 LHH finishers pose for photos
Registration is open with virtual and in-person options until May 13. Sign up as a team or individual at www.LawyersHaveHeartDC.org. For sponsorship opportunities email [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use #RUNLHH.
Photos owned by the American Heart Association