Whether it’s your very first 5K or your fiftieth … Whether you run it competitively for your best time or treat it as a walk in the park … Whether you come alone or register as a team … It’s all okay!
That’s the message of the Fourth Annual “Okay 5K” to benefit Preventionfocus that is now scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th inside Buffalo’s Delaware Park.
WBBZ-TV is proud to support the efforts of "Prevention Focus" and their annual healthy fall fun.
Prevention Focus is also supported by Andersons Restaurants, "Taste the Tradition," plus 107.7FM for the music and munchies at the post-race party.
Collins and Collins Attorneys are proud supporters along with GEICO insurance.
“We wanted to design an event that would appeal to everybody because our agency’s mission is to make safe and healthy happen for people from all walks of life throughout Erie County,” said Preventionfocus Executive Director Matt Smith. “That means avoiding substance abuse, crime, violence, and problem gambling but it also means taking care of your physical and mental health. Walking, running, just some kind of movement, helps relieve stress and can boost a person’s outlook on life.”
To appeal to the serious runner, the “Okay 5K” is held on a USA Track & Field certified 5K course that will be officially timed by Score This!, one of the area’s leading race management and timing companies and the top three finishers in five-year age brackets will all be recognized. But organizers want to be clear that this event should also appeal to walkers and those who may have considered running in a 5K but have yet to try one.
“We really want to get that first time 5K runner to finally take the leap,” added Kirk Lincoln of Lawley Benefits Group who serves as the Fundraising Chairman on the Preventionfocus Board of Directors. “We are holding the event in Delaware Park so it’s easy to find and traffic is not a problem. We are holding it in October so it shouldn’t be too hot and people have all summer to get ready. So, first time 5K runners, just register and we’ll see you in October!”
The first three “Okay 5K” events were held in and around Ellicott Creek Park in the Town of Tonawanda and had an attendance of around 100 each year. Organizers hope that the move to Delaware Park in Buffalo will increase participation.
“People of all fitness levels will be there,” Smith added. “The Okay 5K is for all runners and walkers!”
