Studies have shown that physical fitness and activity can help reduce the risk of developing diseases and provides long-term health benefits to everyone. In partnership with the City of Livonia, Livonia Public Schools, the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and the Livonia Parks and Recreation, St. Mary Mercy Livonia will host the Healthy Livonia 5K run/walk September 8, 2019 starting at 9 a.m.
This race is a casual event across the city of Livonia, open to all fitness levels from walkers to dedicated athletes.
“This is part of a city-wide initiative beyond the walls of St. Mary Mercy. It’s there to energize, inspire and make a commitment to healthy lifestyles for families in our community,” Healthy Livonia’s Program Coordinator Jane Muszynski said.
To make sure that the community’s engaged, Muszynski encourages participants to form small groups in their neighborhoods, adding that “Anyone can start a team and they can be recognized at no cost.”
On-site registration will begin at 7 a.m. but prior registration is encouraged.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on race day, MercyElite Sports Performance team will be leading warmup exercises for participants. A proper warmup is good way to get the body ready and to prevent the risk of injury.
All participants will be grouped according to the pace they are best suited to, with runners in the front and walkers in the back. Families who are mainly runners or walkers can run together.
Refuel stations will be present at the race, with water stations stocked with water cups at the 1-mile and 2-mile markers. At the latter station, there will be a volunteer cardio drumming group present, led by Wendy Piasentin, who teaches drumming at the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center in Livonia to motivate all participants as they make the last stretch to the finish line.
For those who like to keep track of their finish times, the course is certified and chip timed by the Michigan Running Foundation.
Awards for the 5k will be handed out at 10:15 a.m. are presented for male and female for all age groups list and for overall winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
The mission of the Healthy Livonia and for the MercyElite Sports Performance team is best summed by Ryan Kilgore, physical therapy student at Wayne State University.
“We really want to encourage and support a mindset that you can be healthy too.”
Registration is $30 between now and Aug. 25 with a $2.50 processing fee for those who do so online. Registrations made from Aug. 26 to the day of the race are $35. Registrations may be processed at stmarymercy.org/healthylivonia5k.
Funds will go toward both the cost of the event and toward the 5K initiative.
For more information, please contact the event’s main number at 734-655-8943 or Program Coordinator Jane Muszynski at 734-655-8421.