First ever ‘Take Heart’ races promote women’s health
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - On Saturday morning, an event dedicated to women took place: the first-ever Take Heart event featuring 5 and 10K races.
All the runners were women participating with the intention of helping other women and promoting women’s health.
“It can be really difficult to get out and train or even to be comfortable in a competitive setting, so we wanted to do an event that said, ‘You are welcome. Come, we will take all fitness levels. As long as you are a girl, come on,’” said Kayla Tillison, one of the organizers and general manager of ITRI 365.
A portion of the proceeds and all donations from the races go to The Center for Healthy Living, a free health education and resource center.
“The big picture is to promote and support women’s health services that we provide at our center for healthy living. In our major program, we help women who do not have health insurance to get mammograms and pap smears,” said Terrence Ates, the director of community wellness with NET Health.
The group had a different all-women run in 2023 but did not host one last year. They said many runners who participated wanted to see an all-women run return.
“It’s all about loving on the women and providing a way for women to come together and provide some community,” said Michaelle White, a runner at the event.
Even though last year there was no race, Tillison said they plan to make this a yearly event going forward.
“I want little girls to know that you really can do anything. You can get out and run 6 miles and compete, have a great time. You can accomplish whatever it is you want to accomplish,” said Tillison.
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