STHS Heart Hosts Largest Healthy Hearts 5K Yet

Friday, March 6, 2020
STHS Heart Hosts Largest Healthy Hearts 5K Yet

South Texas Health System Heart’s 6th annual Healthy Hearts 5K, held on Saturday, February 8, was its biggest yet.

More than 1,000 athletes participated in the 5K run, which promoted heart health and raised awareness of heart-related issues. They included runners and walkers, both fast and slow, young and old, and even some who took up the challenge to dress in disco-era costumes!

Among the record turnout were 350 students and staff from Vanguard Academy in Pharr. The group ran in honor of a teacher who died unexpectedly last year of a massive heart attack. The man’s family was present and received a commemorative plaque to honor him.

“We had a record number of participants and volunteers this year, which is a clear indication of just how important heart health is to our community, as it is to all of us here at South Texas Health System Heart,” said Chief Executive Officer Brenda Ivory.

The event raised nearly $10,000 and the money will be divided among the American Heart Association® and The Auxiliary of South Texas Health System, which will use the funds for post-operative care items for patients.

The fastest male runner was Miguel Reyes, who finished in 17:40. Jo Ann Alaniz was the fastest female, finishing in 20:33.

See the full results →​

A special thanks to the following:

  • WaterMill Express, for providing water to all athletes
  • McAllen City Commissioner Veronica Whitacre
  • MedCare EMS, which provided a First Aid station and participated in the run
  • Volunteers from Best Buy
  • Volunteers from Texas A&M
For media inquiries, contact:
Vanessa Camacho, Marketing Manager
vanessa.camacho@uhsrgv.com
956-340-9711