5K coming up next week

Published 10:21 pm Friday, June 1, 2012

The registration deadline has been extended through Thursday for next week’s Suffolk on the Move 5K and 1-mile fun walk.

The event, set for Saturday morning at Constant’s Wharf, is the third annual such event. It emphasizes being active rather than winning or finishing at a specific time, said Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community Executive Director Jaya Tiwari.

“This is not a timed event,” Tiwari said. “This is not about how fast you can finish it. It’s about everybody at their own pace and own comfort.”

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Seniors and families are encouraged to participate, she said. Wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and wagons are encouraged on both distances.

“It’s geared toward making everybody healthier,” Tiwari said. “We want to create opportunities to bring the family and get involved that are accessible to everyone.”

The last two year’s events have had about 500 participants, Tiwari said. They are expecting about the same number this year.

Other Suffolk on the Move events have included bicycle rides and another 5K held during the fall.

Sponsors of Suffolk on the Move include TowneBank, Subway, Walmart, Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Parr Funeral Home and Crematory and Amici’s.

Overall support also is provided by Obici Healthcare Foundation, the city of Suffolk and Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. The event is held jointly with Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation.

“We’ve been blessed to have such good support for the community,” Tiwari said.

The event begins and ends at Constant’s Wharf, 110 E. Constance Road. The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., and the 1-mile walk begins at 8:15 a.m. Participants should plan to arrive about an hour ahead of time. There will be a warm-up session prior to the start.

The event is free, but those who are able are asked to bring canned food for donation to support Suffolk food pantries.

For more information or to register, visit www.suffolkpartnership.com. Registration will not be permitted the morning of the event.