Fall Events Focus on Fun, Fitness, and Family Health

(LAWRENCE, KAN. Oct. 27, 2022) – Heartland Community Health Center (Heartland), is teaming up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, LMH Health, and several other organizations to host two events this fall.

Health & Halloween Fun for All Ages

Heartland aims to help make flu & Covid-19 vaccines seem less spooky at their big Trunk-or-Treat event. The Heartland Trunk-or-Treat takes place at 1312 W 6^th Street on October 29^th, from 11am – 2pm. The free event gives families the opportunity to get candy & treats at elaborately decorated trunks, play Halloween games, get their faces painted, enter raffles for free prizes and more. Staff will also be onsite to provide flu and covid-19 vaccines.

“We are so excited to host our second annual Trunk-or-Treat celebration,” said Elizabeth Keever, Heartland’s Chief Development Officer. “This event’s sole purpose is to give families the chance to have free fun together, while having access to important preventative health care. We are thankful to our community, our friends at local businesses, and our staff who are making this possible.”

In addition to nearly a dozen trunks from Heartland, River City Pharmacy, and Panda Pediatrics, several community partners will also be set up with their trunks and/or booths including:

For more information, visit the Heartland Trunk-or-Treat facebook event.

Kansas Half-Marathon & 5K Runs Through Lawrence

The Kansas Half-Marathon and 5K race is set to start at South Park in Lawrence, at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022.

The annual fundraising event presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas benefits Heartland Community Health Center. The race features a scenic course with a route that spans through downtown Lawrence, Haskell University, Broken Arrow Park, Baker University Wetlands, Burroughs Creek Trail, and several parks and historic landmarks.

The Kansas Half-Marathon and 5K routes are both USATF certified. Awards will be given for the top three male and top three female overall and masters runners, as well as for the male and female winner of each age group. This is an all-ages event with groups starting at 19 and under for the Half-Marathon, and 9 and under for the 5k.

“The great thing about this event is that it truly is for everyone,” said Ash Nadeau, Heartland’s Director of Marketing. “We have some amazing athletes who compete in the Half-Marathon & 5K every year, breaking personal records. But we also have families who are just having fun supporting a good cause and walking their dogs in the 5K.”

Free professional photos will be available to all runners after the race, along with an official long-sleeved tech shirt, medal, 13.1/5K sticker, coffee from Uplift, and beer from Lawrence Beer Company. A selfie station will also be set up throughout the event, allowing participants and spectators to take home a photo commemorating their experience.

The Kansas Half Marathon & 5K helps offset costs and increase access to affordable health care services for those that are uninsured/underserved in Douglas County, and nine other counties across Kansas. All people, regardless of fitness level, are invited to run, jog, or walk with a purpose – supporting health care for all.

Additional sponsors of the event include LMH Health, Ad Astra Running, Mcubed Technologies, Fox4 KC, and Lawrence Beer Company, with special thanks to Uplift Coffee, Hy-Vee, Pretzels, Inc, Lawrence Business Magazine, Race Day Timing Solutions, Natural Grocers, the Merc Co-op, and Mile 90 Photography.

To learn more and register to participate or volunteer at the event, visit www.kansashalfmarathon.com

Fall Events Focus on Fun, Fitness, and Family Health