TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Office of Health Promotion and Wellness will hold its first Crimson Couch to 5K Walk/Run Event Sunday, Nov. 14, starting at the Student Recreation Center.
The OHPW created the CC5K and its nine-week training program to motivate UA employees to move more, feel better and improve their quality of life.
Entry for the CC5K is free for pre-registered individuals and teams of up to five members who participated in the training program, as well as for registered UA employees’ children who are under the age of 18. On-site registration is available for all others for $20 and will begin at noon prior to the start of the Walk/Run at 2 p.m.
Organizers of the CC5K expect more than 600 people to participate, including families of UA employees, Tuscaloosa community members and children. An award of $1,000 for a wellness-related activity will be awarded to the college, school or division with the greatest number of CC5K participants.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce this event to the University,” said Dr. Rebecca Kelly, OHPW director. “With approximately 25 percent of our employees reporting little or no activity per week, we created this program to assist those who need encouragement and support – in moving from the couch – to focus on their health and fitness goals, as well as to appeal to those who already enjoy the challenge of a run. The level of participation has exceeded our expectations, and we congratulate those who have trained in order to participate.”
In addition to the CC5K Walk/Run, guests can find live music, face painting, refreshments and family activities in the parking lot of the Student Recreation Center Outdoor Pool Complex. UA Cheerleaders, musicians and a drum line will also be at the event to motivate and support participants as they make their way to the finish line.
The OHPW partnered with University Recreation, the Exercise Physiology Club and other fitness enthusiasts to deliver health checks and training throughout the program. Additional sponsors of the CC5K Walk/Run Event include the Office for Academic Affairs and the University Medical Center Faculty/Staff Clinic.
For more information about the CC5K Walk/Run Event or to learn about programs offered by the OHPW, visit www.wellness.ua.edu or contact the office at wellness@ua.edu, 205/348-0077.
Contact
Desiree Mahr or Linda Hill, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325, lhill@ur.ua.edu
Source
Dr. Rebecca Kelly, UA Office of Health and Wellness, 205/348-0077, rkelly@ua.edu