ANNUAL RUN 4 YOUR LIFE 5K

START & FINISH: Putnam County Department of Health, 1 Geneva Road, Brewster, N.Y.

As part of our Department’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program, in conjunction with the Live Healthy Putnam Initiative, we encourage our County residents, employees, family, friends and neighbors to increase their physical activity, enjoy healthier lifestyles and join the fight against the obesity epidemic.

On May 22, 2014, Commissioner Beals announced our first ever “Run 4 Your Life” event, which was held on Sunday September 7th, 2014. “Run 4 Your Life” consisted of three events of various distances, a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) race, followed by a one-mile walk and a Kids’ half mile fun run. All events were started and finished on the grounds by the PCDOH in Brewster.

The Department hosted lunch and learn classes on the “Couch to 5K” concept to County employees and even trained together after work.

“Run 4 Your Life” was an event that every member of the family could participate in, since running and walking are ideal ways to enhance fitness and of course they are more fun when shared with family and friends. We offered chip timing, participants received performance tee-shirts, commemorative 16 oz. race glasses and a one month membership at Putnam County’s New York Sports Club. Beautiful crystal trophies were awarded to the top male and female finishers, all walkers and children received medals for their participation.

On race day, we had 306 registered participants, well exceeding our Departments’ expectations. Feedback from satisfaction surveys showed all attendees loved the event and couldn’t wait to do it again next year. Our 2nd Annual “Run 4 Your Life” event is scheduled for Sunday, September 27th, 2015 and it will be even bigger and better this year.

During the weeks of September 27 – October 11, participating Putnam County restaurants will be offering delicious and healthy menu entrees that make the best of fresh ingredients in appropriate portion sizes. Health Department nutritionists will work with the restaurant chefs to perfect entrees of their own choosing and ensure they meet healthy guidelines for fat, calories and sodium. Last year 35 local food establishments participated, and an even greater number are anticipated to take part in the initiative this year.

With the increasing concern for weight management and health, the ultimate purpose of the two-week event is for residents to enjoy a wonderful dining experience, and at the same time, have an opportunity to learn about healthy eating.

A complete listing of participating restaurants will be available on the Putnam County website, www.putnamcountyny.com, by late summer. Stay tuned!!