On Sunday hubs and I participated in the Mayor’s Challenge 5k race. I left the event feeling quite proud of my city.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean is on a mission to reverse our city’s obesity trend. Over the summer he sponsored several walks as part of his Walk 100 Miles with the Mayor program. Sunday’s 5k was another attempt to get folks off the couch. Those who registered early benefited from a training plan.
Except for the 20 mph wind gusts, Sunday afternoon was a great day for a 5k. According to local media more than 5,000 people participated. Post event coverage highlighted folks who’ve lost weight thanks to our mayor’s challenges. There were people of all shapes and sizes. Folks looked so excited as they crossed the finish line. I’m sure for many this was their first 5K.
I love the way race organizers made the event accessible to everyone. Registration was free. Those who had transportation issues could get a free ride to the starting area via a metro bus. The race itself was old-school…there were no timing chips, only a clock at the start and another at the finish. That was by design. Mayor Dean wanted this to be a non-competitive, beginner friendly, walker friendly event. Mission accomplished.
I hope the Mayor’s Challenge 5k becomes an annual event. I was proud to be a part of it.
Nashville peeps: did you participate? What did you think about it?
482gr8 