Harlem Week Celebrates a Healthy Lifestyle Hundreds Run/Walk in Annual Percy Sutton 5K Race For Haiti and Healthy Lifestyle
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The Positive Community September 2010
By Theresa Racine
Dr. John Palmer, executive director, Harlem Hospital
Members of The Positive Community/Healthfirst Walk team Photos: Hubert Williams
t was a perfect day to get healthy. Hundreds of runners from throughout the tri-state area joined Harlem residents for the annual Percy Sutton 5K Race, hosted by the New York Road Runners Club in conjunction with Harlem Week. Among those lacing up their Nikes for their first official road race were members of Fit to the CORE Boot Camp in Harlem and the staff of The Positive Community magazine. All were on a mission to show the community that one can start on the road to good health with even just a few lifestyle changes. “We have problems with sugar diabetes and high cholesterol in urban communities. I am one that has actually had those diseases and now my numbers are consistently coming down because I am active.” said Rosalind Eddy. “All it takes is baby steps,” added Yvette Burg. “Just take one step and keep improving every day.” Yvette and Rosalind are prime examples of people who encourage their family, friends, and community to get healthy. They attend classes at Fit to the CORE, where women and men share common health and diet problems. By working with a certified fitness instructor in their community, they have been able to beat their weight and health issues. Now they let others know, getting them to join the program. “We can control it,” says Rosalind. “We just have to start now.” While Yvette and Rosalind ran the Percy Sutton 5K Race, others, like Cheryl Saunders of The Positive Community walked to show support of Haiti. They joined participants from the William J. Clinton Foundation. Proceeds from the event were donated directly to the foundation to help the children of Haiti. “Seeing those children (Haitian) on television one year later, who may not be able to run or walk again, I knew I had to show my support by doing this race.” said Saunders. Crossing the finish line in 37:18 minutes, Yvette and Rosalind are looking forward to their next race, vowing to beat the time. “We’re running another one in three weeks,” beamed Yvette. Not bad for two women who one year ago did not run at all. The 3.2-mile race is one of the cities most challenging, given the hilly race route through Harlem streets. The winners of the Percy Sutton 5K flew past the finish line in record-breaking times. Abiyot Endale set the men’s record at 15:00 minutes and Sally Meyerhoff, finished in an impressive 17:09 minutes for the women. Watch out Sally, next year Rosalind and Yvette may be right behind you on their journey to a healthy lifestyle.
Mike Wood, Fox 5 NY; Marci McCall, Emblem Health; Keisha Sutton, Inner City Broadcasting Co.; Rev. Jacques DeGraff
www.thepositivecommunity.com