Run for Your Life promotes healthy lifestyle

Celebrating the fun in fitness, one area event honors those who have had a life changing experience about staying healthy.

The Eighth Annual Run for Your Life will take place on the Plaza at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 22. The race is hosted by Socorro General Hospital and Presbyterian Healthcare services. According to Beth Beers, director of community-based programs for Socorro General Hospital, it’s a 5k run/walk and one mile walk and is a collaboration with Socorro Striders and Riders. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. People can do it online, she said. Once participants get pre-registered, they receive race numbers and pre-registration packets. So far, 13-15 people have already pre-registered, she said.

“This is for all ages and for all fitness levels,” said Hospital Administrator Bo Beames.

Participants in the race will receive t-shirts and medals. The age groups for runners are children 6-8, 9-12; teens 13-15; 16-19, adults 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s; and 60-plus. There will be three gold, silver and bronze medals per each age group.

According to Beers, the purpose of the race is to promote health and decrease diabetes in Socorro County.

One way to do this is to have an active lifestyle, Beames said. It’s also all about eating right and active living. The race helps participants to become healthier and promote a healthier community in Socorro.

Cross country runners from Socorro High School can participate in the event. If they don’t participate, they will be asked to volunteer, Beers said. The purpose of the race is to also challenge community organizations, and encourage individuals or families to walk or run one or three miles, she said.

There will be snacks available for participants, such as popcorn, granola bars, bananas and animal crackers. Water and sound at the race event will be provided by Aaron’s electronics.

The run will start at the plaza and go around New Mexico Tech and back to the plaza. The money from the race goes towards community- based programs to promote health. Last year, there were 75 participants, and Beers would like the numbers to double this year. Race Director Ephraim Ford said there will be medals per each age group with a first through third place. Traveling trophies will also be awarded to each age group community organization with the highest number and percentages of participations, she said

Registration starts at 8 a.m. The cost is $20 per adult 5K runners/walkers, $10 for one mile walkers and $10 for K-12 runners/walkers. Beers also encourages everyone to take on the 5-2-1-0 challenge, a statewide campaign motivating people to change their eating and physical activity behaviors, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. According to Healthy Kids of New Mexico, everyone is encouraged to eat five fruits and veggies a day, limit TV and electronic games to two hours a day. Be active at least one hour a day, and drink water instead of sugary drinks. For more information about Run for Your Life visit www.socorro.com/ssr or Beth Beers at 835-8791.

“When you realize how people can move their body, it’s fun.” Beers said. “It isn’t a one-time event — they can do it all the time.”