Fall is the best time to lace up sneakers, and get running. Whether you are new to running, or a veteran runner, 5K's can be fun for everyone! This virtual race is for City of Hartford employees and families (spouses, etc). This year, we will combine the energy of Thanksgiving, with raising awareness for Diabetes Prevention for the City of Hartford employees. November is Diabetes Awareness Month and 37 million people in the U.S have diabetes, and 90% of those, have diabetes type 2. This is a devastating condition for people across the world, but the positive news is that diabetes type 2 is preventable, and if you do have it, is manageable and even reversable. Exercise is a great way to prevent diabetes from developing, and one of the best ways to manage diabetes type 2. In a large cohort study in 2019 by the NIH, they found that runners were 28% less likely to develop diabetes compared to non-runners. Running and other exercise also, has been shown to reduce blood sugar for up to 24 hours or more after an exercise session. Exercise creates more insulin sensitivity, which is great to prevent diabetes as we age. Lets see how many MILES we can walk and run (combined with everyone). The more miles ran, the more Diabetes prevention occurs!

Sign up for this run, and get a 3 week basic running preparatory program from Brendan, to help you get ready for this race. Anyone can complete this! Remember, you are running against yourself-- trying to do the best time YOU can. If that means just finishing, that is a great start! If that means doing your 100th 5K, that also works! All you need to do is sign up, prepare, and register-- then show up at the listed time, and run--- at your pace, in any location you choose. Lastly, upload your time! Race complete!