Research shows that participating in regular physical activity can help improve your brain health, strengthen bones and muscles, reduce the risk of disease, assist with weight management and increase your ability to do everyday activities. The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) is pleased to host the 10th Annual Hybrid version of the annual "Save a Heart 5K" event to get residents and visitors moving at no cost and help improve your fitness as well as your mood!

Each year, DOH-Citrus hosts the no-cost event to spotlight World Heart Day (September 29), an observance held to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and making good lifestyle choices as the best ways to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Registration for the in-person AND virtual events opens Thursday August 1st and closes Monday, Sept. 16. The first 200 individuals to register will receive a commemorative T-Shirt and Swag bag!

Those participating in the In-person event on September 21st will meet at the Pavilion in Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness, FL. The race start time is 8am!

Participants can upload their distance, times and activities on the event website beginning on Monday, Sept. 16 until Saturday, Sept. 21. Individuals can participate at their own pace, time and location, either separately or within teams, as they track their preferred measure through different activities, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, paddle/rowing, yoga, kickboxing, tai-chi, among others. Those participating in virtual will be emailed directions on how to upload results.

Participants who register will receive a commemorative 5K t-shirt along with other SWAG while supplies last. Swag bag pick up will be at the IFAS building next to the Lecanto Health Department at 3650 West Sovereign Path, Lecanto, FL 34461 under the Portico. Swag Bag pick up dates and times are as follows:

Monday, September 16, 2024 - 11AM-1PM

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 4PM-6PM

Thursday, September 19, 2024 - 8:30AM-10:30AM