Latino Health 5k aims to promote health and wellness in Hispanic Community

Photo Credit: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) On your mark, get set, go! Those are the words hundreds of runners and walkers will hear Saturday after they lace up their shoes for the Latino Health 5K.

The event will take place at Roosevelt Park and is a collaboration between the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC) and Corwell Health.

The goal of the event is to promote physical activity and wellness within the Hispanic Community and raise awareness about chronic illnesses that are prevalent in the Hispanic Community.

According to the WMHCC, the Hispanic community has a greater prevalence of health conditions including hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and high cholesterol and one of the reasons for that is a lack of physical activity.

Deena Scianimanico, the partnership and program manager for the WMHCC says the event is getting larger every year.

As of this week 330 participants were scheduled to participate, but by the time that race starts on Saturday that number could be as high as 400 to 500 people.

Scianimanico says the race took a two year hiatus for the years 2020 and 2021 because of COVID.

The race begins at 9am on Saturday and people who would like to walk are able to, however they must finish the route in 90 minutes.

The race starts at Roosevelt Park and will also include running or walking about Grandville Ave.

Registration is still open the morning of the race prior to the start.

Kids under 12 are able to participate for free.

There will also be face painting, Hispanic food, and Zumba at the event.

More information about the 5K event can be found on the Chamber’s website.