American Heart Association kicked off community event at Accelerate Sports
UTICA, March 4, 2022 – With cue cards, fresh fruit, blood pressure machine and some exercises to fight the cold, supporters of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk announced the details of the 2022 event.
“We are excited to announce that America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk will be in person this year, on May 7, starting at Accelerate Sports,” said Steve Gassner, administrative officer at Mohawk Valley Water Authority, chair of the Mohawk Valley Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, and logistics chair of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk. “We are really looking forward to celebrating together.”
Participants in America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk will be able to walk three miles, or run five miles, starting any time they wish between 8:30 a.m. and noon. The route will incorporate parts of the Accelerate grounds, and parks in Whitesboro and Oriskany.
People can also walk or run on their corporate campuses, or in their neighborhoods.
The Health Expo will take place at Accelerate Sports.
The WIBX Heart Radiothon and WKTV Telethon will take place on May 6 and 7.
The Kids Heart Challenge will take place at Accelerate Sports on May 6, beginning at 6 p.m.
Birnie Bus will take participants to the start of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on May 7. Registered participants will receive route maps.
The three Red Cap Ambassadors, survivors of heart disease, to America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk were introduced. This year’s Red Cap Ambassadors are:
- John Nogas, who survived a heart attack in 2019
- Ryan Leogrande, who, after watching himself flatline in the hospital, made lifestyle changes and lost 100 pounds
- Tara Davis, who has Down’s Syndrome and had open-heart surgery when she was an infant, and is now 36.
The logo for the 2022 event was also unveiled. It was designed by Amber Matys of Pratt MWP and chosen by public vote.
Gary Scalzo and Steve Zogby received the Leadership Legacy Award from the Eastern States Region of the American Heart Association for their longtime support of the organization and America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.
To register for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, and to stay updated on upcoming activities and details of the event, go to UticaHeartRunWalk.org, or call 315.580.3965.
