Second Annual 5K Run for Freedom and Health Fair, a Success for Grand Terrace

The Grand Terrace community kept it healthy this weekend as a myriad of motivated community members gathered at Pico Park at about 8 a.m. this past Sunday, Sept. 27, to kick off the Lions’ Club’s second annual 5K Run/Walk for Freedom. As the clock hit 8 a.m., a total of about 127 runners, walkers, and all those participating that were gathered underneath the colorful balloon arch, were ready to take off for their three-mile run. The run was a relatively flat route that started and ended right at the entrance of Pico Park. The enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle didn’t stop there. Throughout the event, HealthyGT put on a health fair right there in Pico Park for all attendees and residents to stop by and visit the multiple booths. James McNaboe, whom plays instrumental roles in both The Lions Club and Veterans Wall of Freedom Committee, shared, “what the Grand Terrace Lions Club does is serve the community...this event is for the community.” He explained that each year the club will choose what organization the proceeds from the event would go to. This year’s 5K, everyone is running for freedom as all proceeds will go directly towards the Veterans Wall of Freedom project right here in Grand Terrace. At only $40 to register, each participant received a T-shirt and a goody bag for joining in on the morning run. Awards were also presented to the top 3 men and top 3 women in each age group (under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70). Jacqueline Smith of Barnett Real Estate, who is a four-year veteran of the Navy, sang the National Anthem as all the participants were getting pumped up for their three-mile run. The Health Fair part of the event offered valuable health information, health screenings, and more. One of the many booths set up at the Health Fair was “CARE”, a Linked Learning Program from Grand Terrace High School (GTHS). Syreeta Afadonis, GTHS Biology Teacher, explained that the program is for “Students that are interested in health care careers. These students screened people's blood pressure and body mass index. They also passed out pamphlets that they created.” As more participants gradually came to the finish line, they were able to stop by the health fair that was held right there at Pico Park. McNaboe said, “Thank you to all Grand Terrace Lions and participants who made the second annual 5K the success it was.”