September 8, 2009

American Heart Association's 2009 Start! Heart Walk to be held in Purdue Research Park

The Lafayette Start! Heart Walk will be at the 725-acre Purdue Research Park just north of the Purdue University campus. Tim Peoples, director of the Purdue Technology Centers in West Lafayette, is chairperson of the free event.

"Heart disease and stroke are two of the most prevalent killers in the United States today," he said. "The American Heart Association is one of the pre-eminent organizations in the nation that researches these diseases, informs people about the causes and symptoms of these diseases, and advocates for healthier lifestyles.

"The Lafayette Start! Heart Walk creates a family-friendly environment while promoting physical activity and a heart-friendly lifestyle. We will have a wellness tent, a children's area and a live band at the Purdue Research Park during the event."

Event registration begins at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies held at 10 a.m. at the Ross Enterprise Center, 3495 Kent Ave., in the parking lot facing Kalberer Road.

Participants will walk either as individuals or in teams on the paved walking trails that extend throughout the park. There are five-kilometer and one-mile walking courses for the event. People can register for the walk online at https://lafayetteheartwalk.org  or by calling 800-229-1503.

Organizers have been challenged to raise $100,000 in donations. The annual event raises funds for cutting-edge research, lifesaving public and professional educational programs, advocacy, and community service programs in an effort to fight heart disease and stroke, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. 

Subway, Healthy Choice and AstraZeneca are national sponsors. Media sponsors for the event include WASK 98.7 FM and WLFI Channel 18.

About American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases, the American Heart Association funds research, conducts lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocates to protect public health. To learn more or join the American Heart Association in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit https://www.americanheart.org

About Purdue Research Park

The 725-acre Purdue Research Park (https://www.purdueresearchpark.com) has the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country. The park is home to more than 160 companies. About 100 of these firms are technology-related and another 39 are incubator businesses. The park is owned and managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation created to assist Purdue University in the area of economic development. In addition to the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, the foundation has established technology parks in other locations around Indiana including Merrillville, New Albany and Indianapolis.

To the Purdue Research Park, https://www.purdueresearchpark.com

Purdue Research Park contact:
Steve Martin, (765) 588-3342, sgmartin@prf.org

Source:
Tim Peoples, (765) 588-3365, trpeoples@prf.org