The Fairbanks Heart Walk

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Saturday was an important day for the heart health community of the Golden Heart City.

The theme of the 2023 Heart Walk, “I want to Save Lives” marked the 20th year of Go Red for Women and the centennial year for the American Heart Association.

Around 200 people turned out for the Fairbanks Heart Walk which took place at the Carlson Center on Sat., Sept 23. The heart walk was originally scheduled for August but was postponed because of the wildfire smoke.

Festivities kicked off at noon, with the walk beginning at 1 p.m. The main route followed a five kilometer loop, beginning and ending at the Carlson Center. The event included a health and wellness expo which provided education on heart health and free blood pressure checks.

Many attendees were survivors of heart attacks or strokes.

“I hope the Fairbanks community sees that there’s a bunch of us showing up today to make an impact on heart health for men and women,” said Jenny Gilbertson from Powerhouse Gym

“We are out here to make sure that Fairbanks gets moving. It’s important and we know that heart health is impacted by physical activity,” remarked Kristin George, American Heart Association Executive Director.

George added, “It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, make sure that you’re finding physical activity. Whether it’s going to a building and walking around, walking up stairs, walking just a little bit further in the parking lot. Make sure that throughout the year you’re getting that movement that you need to support your heart health.”

The numerous walking teams were able to fundraise $100,000 dollars for the American Heart Association in support of research and heart prevention.

“The funds we raise through Heart and Stroke Walk donations accelerate heart and brain science, put the power of CPR in more hands and build healthier communities,” said Valerie Koch, Heart Association Communications Director.

Visit heart.org/Alaska to learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Alaska.

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