Frye’s Sat., Sept. 22 Making Communities Healthier 5k Benefits Backpack Program; Register Today!

Hickory – Frye Regional Medical Center (FRMC), in partnership with Fleet Feet Sports Hickory, is hosting the Making Communities Healthier 5k walk/run and one-mile fun run on Saturday, September 22 at 8am in downtown Hickory at Frye’s campus. This year’s event again benefits the Backpack Program of Catawba County, which provides food each week during the school year to 10,000 local children who are food insecure.

Over the years, the race has grown in popularity and has become a tradition for lots of families, local schools, church groups and businesses. In addition to the proceeds benefiting the Backpack Program, the top three Catawba County schools with the most participants will receive supplies for their nurses’ stations.

“Our 5k is a great community event that attracts a mix of serious runners and running clubs, families who bring their kids to start their weekend off with a healthy activity, and individuals walking their first 5k,” said Gar Atchison, Frye Regional CEO and race participant. “As a health system, we look for ways to encourage physical activity and health in our community, and it’s a bonus that we are able to give back through this event to help hungry children in our schools.”

The 5k cost is $20 in advance and online race registration is open through midnight on Thursday, September 20, at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/Frye5k. On Friday, September 21, registration is available at Fleet Feet Sports Hickory and limited on-site registration is available on race day. Offline registration is $25. The one-mile fun run is $10 (advance) and $15 (on-site), respectively. Proceeds from the 2017 race allowed Frye to make a $2,500 donation to the Backpack Program of Catawba County and work with local Lowe’s Foods stores and the store’s customers to donate a box truck filled with food.