The Greater Utica Region drew a crowd of more than 7,100 walkers and runners that lined the streets on Saturday, March 5. Participants helped raise $1,011,787 at America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk. Heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to all of the teams and fundraisers who helped the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association work toward the mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Special recognition goes to the 2016 top fundraiser, Albert Pylinski, Jr., raising more than $62,300 in support of the American Heart Association/American stroke Association.
During closing ceremonies, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association announced the winner of the Lifestyle Change Award, sponsored by Olivari Olive Oil, for the fifth consecutive year. The criteria for the award were major changes and/or significant strides towards living a healthier life made by an individual. The 2016 Lifestyle Change recipient was Jeff Percacciante.
For the first time, Heart Run & Walk Weekend also include the Have a Heart Half Marathon. The timed raced stretched from General William Floyd Elementary School in Holland Patent to Utica College. Craig Forys of South Carolina came in first for the men and Erica Ready finished first for the women.