Annual Homecoming 5K to benefit AHA

February is American Heart Month, and organizers of the annual Homecoming 5K Run/Walk are gearing up for increased participation is this year’s event.

Last year, about 400 individuals ran/walk in the Homecoming 5K, and organizers raised more than $900 to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA).

“To date, we have around 125 registered runners for this year’s Homecoming 5K, but we are ahead of last year’s pace,” said Kemet Gatchell, assistant director for promotions and special events for the Recreational Services Department. “Our goal is to continue to grow this event and raise even more money for the American Heart Association.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes considerations related to diet, nutrition and exercise, is considered the best weapon to battle heart disease. In addition to raising funds for the AHA, Getchell said the run/walk is designed to increase awareness about heart disease and its risk factors.

Aquatics director Roy Fielding, who suffered a near-fatal heart attack in December 2007, will walk in the event. Fielding, who works out regularly, said his doctors credited his physical activity to saving his life. “The type of heart attack I suffered has a very low percentage of people surviving it. I continue to work out several times a week, and I encourage everyone to take steps to stay heart-healthy.”

The 2010 Homecoming 5K Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 20. Early registration, which is through Friday, Feb. 12, is $15 for UNC Charlotte students; $20 for all others. If registering between Feb. 13-19, the cost is $25 per person. On the day of the race, registration is $30 per person. Registration includes a long-sleeved T-shirt, race admittance and post-race refreshments. Entries postmarked after Feb. 12 are not guaranteed a T-shirt on race day. To register and pay online, visit the recreational services Web site.

The Recreational Services Department is sponsoring the Homecoming 5K Run/Walk. Cosponsors are the Cone University Center, Kinesiology Department, NinerMac Computer Store, Student Health Center, 49er Athletics, Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling and Kinesiology Student Organization. For more information, e-mail Gatchell at kegatche@uncc.edu or call ext. 7-2564.