The 4th annual Family Fitness Fun 5K and Expo brought a host of activities that were designed to help runners, walkers and other types of movers spring forward into health on Sunday, April 8, at the Burrage Mansion, 1205 W. Crescent Avenue in Redlands.
The fundraising event for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) was hosted by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, which is committed to supporting patients by developing programs and projects that address the critical needs of these children and their families.
The heart of the springtime celebration was a 5K non-competitive run/walk for people of all ages and abilities. The course traversed a quiet Redlands neighborhood, enabling participants to pace themselves, whether running to improve their personal time, running for health or just to enjoy a leisurely stroll on a beautiful spring morning. Each participant received a commemorative T-shirt and medal.
In addition to the 5K, the event also featured games for children, a fire truck staffed by firefighters from the Redlands Fire Department, a mobile fingerprinting station, officers of the Redlands Police Department, and a mini health fair with several vendors and community groups offering a variety of takeaway materials for guests.
Vendors such as J.J. Tae Kwon Do, Country Club Golf and Fox Dance Studio offered free demonstrations. Others, such as The Living Root Cellar, provided healthy and delicious food samples. Representatives of the YMCA East Valley Circus were also be on hand.
This year’s guests of honor was two-year-old Vivian Burton, her parents, Dave and Heather Burton, and her brother, Davey. A few weeks after her first birthday, Vivian nearly died from a heart condition no one knew she had. Fortunately, doctors at LLUCH were able to save her life, and today she is the picture of health.
Last year, approximately 500 people turned out for the event. Lynn Sleeth, president of the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, says an even-larger turnout is expected this year.
“It’s really gratifying to see so many people turning out for this year after year,” Sleeth said. “We have gotten remarkable support from the people of the Inland Empire. They tell us it’s a great way to get in shape for summer and have a great time doing it!”