Carter Young (18:03) and Kate Merritt (22:11) won Coffee Regional’s 20th annual Heart 2 Heart 5K on Feb. 23. They bested a field of 133 runners and walkers to claim first place. The 5K (3.1 mile) race was part of the 2019 Georgia Grand Prix Series. In addition to the 5K event, the race also featured a three-mile walk, and a one mile fun run.
Sponsorships and community support were overwhelming. Thanks to RW Griffin Industries; Fairfield Inn & Suites; Mary’s Restaurant; Williams Institutional Food, Beta Sigma Alpha Theta Chapter, L&M Supply, Beta Sigma Phi- Kappa Beta Chapter, and Moore than Graphics . We also want to thank Douglas National Bank, South Georgia State College, the Wellness Center, Beta Sigma Phi Alpha Theta Chapter for their donations and giveaways for the runners souvenir bags. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Steve Augustine of Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia for hosting the Recovery Tent and lining up Southeastern Neuromuscular Massage & Physical Therapist Denise Mooney to offer their assistance to participants. In addition, CRMC would like to thank those individuals who made private donations to the Cardiac Rehab Scholarship. The race’s success was due to the community’s enthusiasm and a lot of volunteer help from Coffee Regional Medical Center staff, CRMC EMS, CHS ROTC, Mary’s Restaurant, and the City of Douglas Police Department.
Organizers also want to thank everyone in the community who supported the Wear Red Campaign this year. According to national studies, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and February is National Heart Disease Awareness month. The focus of the campaign is to bring more awareness to the community of heart disease and how it affects everyone. It’s important to understand your risk factors and how to make simple lifestyle modifications to prevent heart disease. Please visit www.wellness247.org to learn more about heart disease and prevention.
The proceeds from both events will benefit the CRMC Cardiac Rehab Scholarship under the CRMC Foundation.