ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 9, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, will hold the Alaska Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage. The annual event and fundraising campaign leading up to it are dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, which remain among the top killers of Alaskans.

“As someone born and raised here, I’m particularly passionate about advancing health within our Alaska communities,” said Sarah Skeel, chief administrative officer at Providence Alaska Medical Center and 2024 Alaska Heart Run & Walk chairperson. “I’m excited to support the American Heart Association’s work to foster better heart and brain health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.”

“The Alaska Heart Run & Walk raises funds for important scientific research, while also encouraging our community to nurture their own health,” said Linda Ireland, D.O., MBA, FACC, cardiologist, Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and American Heart Association volunteer. “Studies show that committing to regular physical activity, like running or walking, has a significant positive impact on overall well-being and helps prevent more serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke.” 

Funds raised through the event benefit the American Heart Association and support scientific research and programs that drive public health policy, set guidelines for medical care and educate the community. The Association is also focused on raising awareness of Hands-Only CPR, with the goal of teaching at least one person in every household this lifesaving skill. Every year in the U.S., more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital, and more than 20% occur in public places such as airports and sporting facilities. Survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby, but most Americans report feeling helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. 

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere,” said John Pineda, an Anchorage local who performed bystander CPR in 2017. “I’m so thankful I had already learned CPR before I was called upon to perform it. You hope to never have to respond to a cardiac arrest emergency, but you are glad you are prepared in case you need to step up in an emergency.”

Event information:

Registration and event information is available at AlaskaHeartRun.org.

The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 21, starting and finishing at Alaska Airlines Center (3550 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508).

Opening Ceremony festivities begin at 9:00 a.m.

5K timed run begins at 9:30 a.m.

5K untimed run begins at 9:45 a.m.

5K walk, with 3K survivor route option, begins at 10:00 a.m. 

The Alaska Heart Run & Walk is presented locally by Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and supported by Providence Alaska Medical Center.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries:

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org