BENTONVILLE — People who have a new year’s resolution of getting in shape can start Jan. 1 at the Commitment Day 5K.
Bentonville is just one of 35 cities that will host a new year’s 5K family-friendly fun walk/run event to encourage people to join a national conversation about living a “healthy way of life,” according to the Commitment Day website.
This is the second year for the Commitment Day 5K, but it’s Bentonville’s first year to be a part of it, Life Time spokeswoman Amy Henderson said.
At A Glance
Commitment Day 5K
When: 8 a.m. Jan. 1 (packet pick-up and registration begins at 6:30 a.m.), 9 a.m. awards ceremony.
Where: Orchards Park, Bentonville.
Cost: $30; $35 on race day.
Visit www.commitmentday.c… to register, see the race route and get more information.
Source: Staff Report
The Minnesota-based Life Time — The Healthy Way of Life Company created the event as part of Commitment Day, “a broad social movement uniting individuals in 5K walk/run events across the nation each Jan. 1 to declare a commitment to healthy eating, exercise, family, respect and giving back,” according to a company news release.
Last year more than 40,000 people participated in 28 Commitment Day events nationwide, said Nicki Remick, general manager of WarpSpeed Experiences.
WarpSpeed Experiences is the licensee of the Bentonville event. Organizers hope to see at least 250 people at Bentonville’s inaugural event.
“Our idea is to grow this and have this become a tradition in Bentonville,” Remick said.
Each Community Day event will benefit the American Heart Association. In addition, Commitment Day Bentonville will benefit the Mercy Health Foundation, Remick said, adding that participants can donate to one or both entities online while registering at the race website.
Commitment Day is highlighted by 5K events around the country, but it’s much more than just races, Remick explained. It’s a movement to motivate people to “start the year off right foot” in making a commitment to living a healthier way life, whether that means making a commitment to health, family, the earth, finances, etc.
“The 5K is a symbolic celebration for anything you might commit to in your life,” Remick said.
To encourage family participation, those 17 and younger can run for free with a registered adult. There is also the option to register as a team for those interested in participating with a large group of co-workers, family or friends.
As a 5K run/walk, it’s a friendly event for both experienced runners and those new to running, Remick said.