The Live Healthy and Thrive Youth Foundation will hold the seventh annual Unite for Healthy Kids 5K on Saturday, May 20 at 9 a.m. at GSU Decatur campus to benefit the Pinnacle Youth Scholarship Fund, which provides $1,000 college scholarships to high school students in the Atlanta area. Lori Manns, the race organizer says, “Invest in the next generation and help make them better leaders for tomorrow.”
Here’s our interview with Manns.
How did the Unite for Healthy Kids 5K start?
In 2011, we started our first 5K with a handful of families. Now seven years later, we’ve grown to a 5K that attracts families and students from all over Atlanta. We wanted to do an outdoor event to encourage family fitness that everyone could participate in. The Unite for Healthy Kids 5K is all about encouraging and empowering families to practice fitness together and hold one another accountable. We have something for everyone at this 5K, from a kids’ race to an adult 5K walk or run.
Who are some of your community partners for this event?
The Unite for Healthy Kids 5K Walk/Run is sponsored by PeachState, Walmart, Target and Kroger. Additionally, the Atlanta Braves have been a sponsor since we started seven years ago.
What is the significance of doing this 5K in May?
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, so we want to emphasize the importance of physical fitness in our everyday lives. It’s especially important for children to get at least 90 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. Adults need at least an hour of physical activity. Finally, the other factor is Georgia’s heat. It’s the springtime and it’s not too hot in Atlanta yet. So it’s perfect weather for a 5K.
What can attendees expect at the event?
We will have a warm-up with a live DJ and exercises led my Maria More of Radio One’s WAMJ 107.5 who is also a certified fitness trainer. Plus, we will have prizes for first place and second place men’s and women’s race. And at the end of the 5K, we will celebrate with a fruit and fitness party with old-school R&B jams.
Are there vendor opportunities available?
Absolutely, we welcome all vendors and sponsors. They can contact us at 1-800-551-3775 or via our website contact us page, livehealthyandthriveyouth.org.
How can people join the event?
They can register on our website or via Eventbrite. www.livehealthyandthriveyouth.org.
Register for the Unite for Healthy Kids 5K at www.livehealthyandthriveyouth.org.
