Run & Walk for Your Heart 2021 makes its mark
Photos courtesy of Rod Oliver, Launceston Rotary Club.
October 3, 2021
Article from The Examiner, by Dana Anderson
The importance of heart health and leading an active lifestyle was the topic of conversation for family, friends, and work colleagues at the 2021 Run & Walk for your Heart event on Sunday.
The annual event had an 800 metre kids run/walk as well as the traditional five kilometre run/walk. About 400 participants turned up on the day.
One of those participants was five kilometre race winner James Hansen who ran with his cousin on the day to support raising awareness and funds for heart health.
"Obviously the cause is something quite important. I had my own health issues this year so I understand the importance of medical research," he said.
"You never know, it might happen to you one day."
The runner saw the event as the perfect opportunity to practice and get ready for the 2021 Burnie 10.
Heart attack survivors and people diagnosed with other heart health issues also attended the event and shared their stories with the community.
The Examiner recently shared with readers the story of Celia Lanham, a fit and healthy 46-year-old Launceston woman who, with no previous family history at the time, had a heart attack in 2019.
"I've had people pull me up in the street and talk to me about it which has been really encouraging, really pleased to see the message has got out there," she said.
"Even if just one person takes their symptoms seriously and takes themselves to the hospital then it's been worth [sharing my story]."
Clifford Craig Foundation chief executive Peter Milne said heart disease was the biggest killer of Australians.
"Northern Tasmania has the worst incidents of heart disease in the nation," he said.
"We want to get the message out to the community to say heart disease is a problem, but there are a lot of things we can do to prevent heart disease and one of the biggest ones is being physically active.
"That doesn't mean you have to run a marathon, that means that two or three times a week you go for a walk or run and have a commitment."
We look forward to seeing you again in 2022!
