UC Gears up for 23rd Anniversary Hosting America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk

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UC Gears up for 23rd Anniversary Hosting America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk

“Don’t let stereotypes about both diseases overshadow reality. Heart disease and stroke can happen to anyone, no matter their age or lifestyle.”

Utica College is excited to be gearing up for the Heart Run and Walk 2020 being held on Saturday, March 7 with a goal to raise more than $1 million dollars. Nearly 10,000 people will come together to put their legs (and hearts) to work in the fight against heart disease and stroke. With the help of UC students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and neighbors, this event promises to be the most successful to date.

From February 17 to March 6, Team UC will table from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday in front of the Dining Commons selling t-shirts and raffle tickets to raise money to donate to the American Heart Association. The Team will also have a table in White Hall on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Friday, March 6, there will be a health expo from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Clark Athletic Center. During the expo, participants will receive a free health and wellness assessment from local medical providers and learn more about conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and more.

On Saturday, March 7, the day of events will begin with the 30K run at 7:30 a.m. and the 10-mile run at 8:10 a.m. Buses for the 30K run will leave Utica College at 6:30 a.m. for Van’s Tavern, Barneveld. Buses for the 10-mile run will leave UC at 7:40 a.m. for Route 291, Irish Rd, Stittville. The five-mile and three-mile runs will begin at 9:20 a.m. and will start at UC. The five-mile and three-mile walks will begin at 10:30 a.m., also beginning at UC.

The team will host the annual “Pie a Coach” event as part of a Wrap-Up Party on Wednesday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Strebel Lounge. At this event, the team will continue to sell their Team UC t-shirts and raffle tickets for a variety of items, as well as host Hands-Only CPR sessions.

Matt Miller Heart Run Captain for Team UC 2020

The Honorary Captain for Team UC for 2020 is Matt Miller, who joined UC on Sept. 2, 2019 as library assistant at the Circulation and Information Desk. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree from The College of Brockport, State University of New York where he majored in History and Anthropology.

Miller was chosen as this year’s honorary captain due to the struggles he’s faced, which began before he was born. While in utero, Miller had a stroke. As a result, he suffers from hemiparesis, a muscle weakness on one side of the body. At age 12, Miller was diagnosed with high blood pressure and has since had a kidney stent put in his artery to help with blood flow.

“Don’t let stereotypes about both diseases overshadow reality. Heart disease and stroke can happen to anyone, no matter their age or lifestyle,” said Miller.