Heart to Heart 5K Recap: Thank You for Celebrating Heart Health & Raising Funds for Cardiology Patients

On World Heart Day (Sept. 29), more than 1,230 runners, joggers and walkers from Boulder and around the country toed the start line to take part in Boulder Community Health’s Heart to Heart 5K.

The gorgeous weather made for a perfect race day, and everyone brought great energy and smiles. The course also showed off Boulder’s famed Flatirons.

BCH partnered with Boulderthon to present the 5K and raise funds for cardiology patients at Boulder Heart. The race course, recently named one of the Top 10 5Ks in the country by USA Today, featured an all-road, fast-and-flat experience for all participants, allowing for wheelchair athletes and those using wheeled vehicles, such as duo runners, to take part in the event. Many participants brought their littlest athletes along in strollers as well.

The Heart to Heart 5K served as the culminating event to BCH’s annual Movement Challenge, a month-long event to encourage participants to move each day and log results to win daily prizes.

Presenting the Heart to Heart 5K wouldn’t have been possible without key support from our community sponsors, Boulderthon Expo volunteers and 5K volunteers.

We are grateful to the following community businesses and organizations for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart 5K: Balfour Senior Living, DeNucci & Associates, CAPROCK, NextHealth, BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine, Elements Massage Boulder, Zio by iRhythm, and Boulder Food Group. In total, their sponsorships raised $22,000 for the Heart to Heart Fund, which aids Boulder Heart patients in the prevention, treatment and management of their cardiac health.

During the Boulderthon Expo, team members from Elements Massage Boulder offered chair massages, while BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine staff provided grip strength assessments. All sponsor organizations also provided promotional swag for the Expo and the 5K finisher bags.

Dozens of BCH volunteers worked the aid station at mile 1.5 at Frontier and Pearl Parkway keeping participants hydrated and motivated. Volunteers passed out water, electrolytes and gels; held signs with catchy health-related messages; and cheered their hearts out ringing cowbells.

Research has shown that physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, particularly cardiovascular health. Physical activities, such as running and walking, can reduce heart attacks, strengthen heart muscles and reduce blood pressure, amongst other benefits.

“BCH is proud to offer our area’s only full-service cardiology program at Boulder Heart with a full range of life-saving treatments, experienced cardiologists and surgeons as well as advanced technologies to keep our community’s hearts healthy,” says Robert Vissers, MD, BCH president and CEO. “The Heart to Heart 5K supports our vision of partnering to create and care for the healthiest community in the nation by offering a fun way for people to come together in community and wellness through movement as a means to better health.”

Cardiovascular Diseases Affect Nearly Half of American Adults.

When participants registered for Boulderthon’s series of races (the 5K, 10K, half and full marathon), they were given the opportunity to make a huge difference to community health and donate to the Heart to Heart Fund.

You can read more about the Heart to Heart Fund or make a donation here.

Caring For You Like Family at BCH’s Boulder Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men and women. Our experienced team of cardiologists and surgeons provides personalized, compassionate care during every step of the heart health journey.

Learn more at bch.org/heart or watch this short video.