2015 Washtenaw Heart Walk Set for Saturday on EMU Campus

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — More than 2,200 "heart heroes" will be putting their hearts and soles into the 2015 Washtenaw County Heart Walk at Eastern Michigan University Saturday, May 9. Teams of walkers and runners, along with individuals and their pets, will be decked out in personalized themes to show support for their teams and the Heart Walk. Caped super heroes will also be among the participants.

EMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke, who is the chair of the walk, will help lead participants around the EMU athletic campus.

Pre-walk and run activities will be inside the EMU Convocation Center, 799 N. Hewitt Road. Festivities kick-off at 8 a.m., with a 5K run starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m.

There is no fee to participate in the walk. The Registration for the 5K Heart Hero Run is $35. All are encouraged to register at www.washtenawheartwalk.org.

The American Heart Association Heart Walk is a year-long campaign designed to improve the health of those who pledge to live healthier lifestyles. Funds from the walk benefit lifesaving research and educational resources.

"We're thrilled to work with EMU, a university committed to the health and wellness of Washtenaw County residents," said Tara Tomcsik, director of corporate events for southeast Michigan American Heart Association.

"It is an honor to serve as the Heart Walk Chair," said Lyke. "Our goal is to continue to raise awareness about heart disease and educate our community regarding the best way to prevent the No. 1 killer in the nation."

Lyke was named Vice President and Director of Athletics on July 1, 2013 having more than 17 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration and the first woman to hold the full-time AD position at Eastern Michigan. In her first year, the Eastern Michigan Eagles won three Mid-American Conference team championships and the MAC's most prestigious honor, the Cartwright Award, for the MAC institution who achieves the greatest success in athletics, academics and community service. "Eagles Unite," more than just a catchy slogan, has been Lyke's rallying cry to unify Eastern Michigan's 21 varsity sports, donors, fans and friends.

The 2015 Heart Walk is sponsored by Eastern Michigan University, Domino's, NuStep, University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, IHA, UM Credit Union, Emergency Veterinary Hospital, The Wellness Centers, and Epic Races.

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Its mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America's No. 1 and No. 4 killers. They fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join in, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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