Success StoryPike County Gets Healthy/ ACT 5K



Pike County Gets Healthy/ ACT 5K

Author: Stephanie Richards

Planning Unit: Community & Economic Development (CEDIK)

Major Program: Arts and Community Health

Plan of Work: Pike County Arts Advancement

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Pike County Cooperative Extension Service promotes an active lifestyle and a healthy diet for county residents and everyone who participates in our programming.  With that mission in mind, six years ago the Fine Arts Program worked with Artists Collaborative Theatre (ACT) in Elkhorn City to implement a “Get Healthy!” strategy.  As part of that strategy, ACT held its first 5K run in 2014.

March 23 marked the sixth year for this now annual event.  The event, in recent years, was expanded to include a 10K run along with a one mile walk.  By doing this, we were able to encourage people of all fitness levels to participate.  We had every age group represented, from ages five to those in their late 60s.  

In all, more than 70 people came out for the event and it has become one of ACT’s biggest fundraisers.  Participation medals were given out in addition to top finishing medals for each age division.  Approximately $2,100 was raised for the non-profit community theatre.

Pike County Fine Arts Program, community members, and ACT volunteers came together to create an event that serves the health and welfare of our citizens.  The run grows every year and we expect next year to be even bigger!