The Outdoor Education Center’s Health Expo and the 5K Challenge Run

Saturday, April 13th is a busy day for the OutdoorEducationCenter! Our second annual “Just Move It” Health Expo and first the 5K Obstacle Race will both be held at Sam Michaels Park in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Our historic 5K run is not one to be missed! JeffersonCounty harbors a rich Civil War history that will be brought to life during our race. This year we decided it was time for the Eastern Panhandle to tackle our own obstacle run. The 5k is not your typical challenge race: you will be jumping over, under and through obstacles, you will probably get dirty, and you will use muscles you didn’t realize you had, but you’ll do it alongside soldiers and cavalrymen hurdling over civil war themed obstacles. Each heat will have a designated skill level and you are able to choose whichever fits your personal need. The first heat sets out for battle at 8:00am, with the other two heats following closely behind. Each participant receives a t-shirt and will be welcome to attend our “Just Move It” Health Expo after the completion of their crusade. Plus, this historical race on April 13th is one for all ages! Following the 5K will be our free “Kids Fun Run” at 11:00am.  To register please sign up before 10:30am on race day and receive your bib number.  We hope to see all you Generals there!

Directly following the Challenge Race is our “Just Move It” Health Expo inside the JeffersonCountyParks and Recreation Gymnasium. Our Health Expo focuses on seeing the enjoyment behind exercising and understanding how to make health and physical activity a part of your everyday life. Last year’s inaugural Health Expo was a huge success. We are looking forward to an even bigger crowd this year, as we increased the amount of vendors, clinics, and activities. Our goal is to support healthy, active lifestyles while creating an increased awareness of JeffersonCounty local businesses. Many JeffersonCounty local businesses and organizations have assisted our program through donations, materials, volunteers, and program support. The Health Expo will be concentrating on the seven aspects of health:  intellectual, social, physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, and occupational. Throughout the day there will be local area vendors, various exercise clinics, a moon bounce and rock wall, raffles, a guest appearance by Mike Jenkins: a “Top 10 finalist of World’s Strongest Man Competition,” a Smoothie Cool Off contest, and an Average Joe’s Strong Man competition. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, volunteer, Smoothie Cool Off contestant, or Average Joe contender please contact Katie Nolan at knloan@floc.org. This family friendly event hosted by the Outdoor Education Center of FLOC and JeffersonCountyParks and Recreation is free to the public. Join us at Sam Michaels Park in Harpers Ferry, WV from 10:00am-2:00pm. See you there!

(Sarah Nowicki is an AmeriCorps Vista at FLOC’s Outdoor Education Center).

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