New location for opening ceremonies and new start line mark 52 nd annual community event
WHAT:
The Healthy for Good Expo, The 55 th annual WIBX Heart Radiothon, The Treadmill
Challenge, and America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk
WHO:
Kristen Bourgeios, chair of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk; Sr. Vice President, Retail Banking, Adirondack Bank Red Cap Ambassadors Gina Hayduk, Cameron Ricci and Roman Santos, representing all the survivors of heart disease 48 Treadmill Challengers
Thousands of runners and walkers supporting the American Heart Association’s mission
of fighting heart disease and stroke
WHERE:
Utica University 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502
WHEN:
Friday, March 6, 2026, Clark Athletic Center, Utica University
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
o The 55 th annual WIBX Heart Radiothon sponsored by Slocum-Dickson Medical
Group
o Treadmill Challenge, expanded to 4 Challengers per half hour and a cheering
area
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
o Healthy for Good Expo
Registration for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk
Health assessments sponsored by MVHS
Be Extraordinary Area
Always in Our Hearts – origami heart making
Selfie Station
Learn Hands-Only CPR
Kids Corner
Sponsor tables
Movement activities
11:30 a.m. Jazzercise led by Marolyn Wilson
2 p.m. Movement activity
5:30 p.m. Edelweiss Schuhplattlers SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026, Utica University
8 a.m.
o Registration, Clark Athletic Center
9 a.m.
o Opening Ceremonies at the bandshell in front of the Ralph F. Strebel Student
Center
9:15 a.m.
o 3-mile run and walk start on the UU campus at the base of the entrance by
Champlin Ave.
Finish line in the same place as the start line, with a special Survivor Lane for
survivors to celebrate, and a large bass drum for survivors to beat when they return
MORE: An Event Guide to America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk outlines all the details.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 people suffer cardiac
arrest outside of a hospital every year, and nearly 90% don’t survive. But immediate
bystander CPR can make the difference — doubling or even tripling someone's chance of survival. Heart Walk is the Association’s largest community-facing initiative. Through
fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, Heart Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for vital research and drive equitable health for all people.
Participants can register for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk at
UticaHeartRunWalk.org. From there, they can create a fundraising page and complete
the Lifesaver Challenge, which includes learning Hands-Only CPR in just 90 seconds.
