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Joy Run and Walk aims to bring Petersburg community together and improve health

Posted at 6:30 PM, Apr 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-14 18:37:49-04

PETERSBURG, Va. -- Hundreds of runners and walkers in the Tri-Cities are getting ready to lace up their sneakers to hit the streets for the 2nd annual Joy Run and Walk.

The run and walk will include a 5K (3.1 miles) and 2K (1.24 miles) for participants at any fitness level. There will also be a health fair for participants and community members.

The event grew out one Petersburg church's mission to help its own members get heart healthy and battle high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church is partnering with Optima Health to put on the run and walk on Saturday April 23.

Tabernacle Baptist church Pastor Robert Diggs said they are trying to encourage the community to get heart and health conscience.

“It's an opportunity for people to get cardiovascular fitness, fellowship, food, vendors… allows people to come together as community,” said Pastor Diggs. “What we’re really trying to do is focus on good diet. There will be a health fair, blood pressure, cholesterol... we’re trying to get people to look better, feel better and live longer."

The Joy Run and Walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday April 23rd. Registration will start at 8 a.m. The health fair runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon. You can still sign up on the day of the event.

The race will begin at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 418 Halifax Street in Petersburg. To sign up or get more information on the event click here.

CBS 6 reporter Shelby Brown will serve as one of the grand marshals for the event.

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