About two weeks remain in the third-annual Weekly Wellness Walk program, an effort to highlight the issue of childhood obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The walks, which are part of Combating Obesity for Alachua County’s Health, are held every Saturday through Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m at the Santa Fe College track.
Roslyn Levy, a senior vice president of Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors, helped organize the event this year.
She said people of all ages walk and run around the track to the rhythm of a live DJ, stopping at times to refuel on free water and fruit.
“Just scanning the track you get a real broad glimpse of the people who get attracted to our walks,” Levy said. “It’s very exciting to see them all come together.”
Prominent members of the Gainesville community lead the walks and motivate participants, Levy said.
Previous leaders include Chris Machen, UF‘s former first lady; Mary Wise, UF’s current women’s volleyball coach; and even mascots Albert and Alberta.
Rae Drake said she’s made several friends she attended the first-ever event in 2014.
“As you walk, you talk, and it makes it go so much quicker, and it doesn’t seem quite as stressful or strenuous,” Drake said.
Storm Roberts, a 98.5 KTK radio host, started taking part in the walks three years ago, during which he became a leader for one of the groups.
Roberts said he values a healthy lifestyle and hopes participants continue beyond the program.
“It’s just a good way to refocus,” Roberts said.
