52nd annual American Heart Association event will focus on providing recess equipment to local schools
UTICA, N.Y, Sept. 19, 2025 — Over 80 leaders of the Mohawk Valley community, joined by top walkers from the 2025 edition of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, gathered at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica yesterday to look back and look ahead at America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.
The Heart Walk is the largest community-facing initiative of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
“We’re really excited to announce that we will be returning to Utica University, on March 6 and 7,” said Kristen Bourgeois, vice president retail banking at Adirondack Bank and chair of the 2026 America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk. “We also have great news for the community: The start line of the run and walk on March 7 will be closer to the Clark Athletic Center and protected from the wind by a berm. We are hardy souls in the Mohawk Valley, but we are also smart, and this will make the Run & Walk a more pleasant experience.”
Karen Murphy, director of development for the Leatherstocking Council, Scouting America, is serving as the logistics director of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk in 2026.
“The committee and I are putting together a terrific Healthy for Good Expo, set for March 6 at Utica University, and I’m looking forward to welcoming our community to learn ways to be healthier and involved with the community,” Murphy said.
The WIBX Heart Radiothon, which was the beginning of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 54 years ago, is set for Friday, March 6, the same day as the Expo.
“Every year, we have more participants in the Treadmill Challenge,” said Morgan Mielnicki of Sentinel Media, chair of the Radiothon and Treadmill Challenge. “This year, for the first time, we will have four Treadmill Challengers face off against each other every half hour. We are also planning a ‘viewing area,’ so supporters can cheer on their Treadmill Challengers. Spots will go fast, so I encourage people to sign up as soon as they can.”
This year, the sponsors and supporters of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk will be focusing their efforts on a “Recess Reboot,” providing local schools with recess equipment.
Laurie Schmidt, school engagement director for the American Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley, led attendees at the Executive Breakfast in some recess-style activities.
Red Cap Ambassadors for this year’s campaign were announced as Roman Santos, Cameron Ricci and Gina Hayduk.
Top walkers from America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk also received recognition at the event, including:
- Albert Pylinski
- Victoria Swider
“Of course, we all had a great time starting our morning with some activity,” said Theresa Kalil Lennon, of Steve Lennon & Company Jewelers, and chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley. “All of us are committed to living the mission of the American Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley by improving health for all our friends and family. Being part of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk is a great way to do that. I urge everyone in the community to register now and be part of this community tradition in March.”
Registration is now open for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk at UticaHeartRunWalk.org.
About America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk
America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk is set for Saturday, March 7, at Utica University. The Healthy for Good Expo, the WIBX Heart Radiothon and the Treadmill Challenge will take place on Friday, March 6, at the Clark Athletic Center at Utica University. Kristen Bourgeois of Adirondack Bank is the corporate chair; Karen Murphy of Leatherstocking BSA is the logistics chair; Morgan Mielnicki of Sentinel Media is the Radiothon and Treadmill Challenge chair. Sponsors include Adirondack Bank, NYCM, MVHS, Slocum Dickson, WKTV, WIBX, Sentinel Media and New York Sash. For information, visit UticaHeartRunWalk.org or contact Marie.Masca@heart.org.
