Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center - Countywide Stride Run/Walk Series

What is it?

In 2009, Rockcastle Regional President/CEO Stephen Estes had an idea that would turn the town’s built environment into a place for exercise. He envisioned a series that would give runners and walkers a goal to accomplish every month. The series, named the Countywide Stride, began as four organized run/walks in 2010, where participants received incentives for completing the series. It grew to a seven-race series in 2011, and then to 12 monthly races in 2012, and it has continued each year since. Every venue for each race offers different scenery and a variety of distances, ranging from two miles to a half marathon at 13.1 miles.

Who is it for?

Community members at all points along the fitness continuum who want to exercise and compete.

Why do they do it?

Rockcastle County’s population of 17,000 is generally poor, undereducated and in poor health. Risk factors such as smoking and obesity, and illness such as heart disease and diabetes, on average occur at higher rates in Rockcastle County than in the nation as a whole, and often are higher than the statewide average. The county is also less physically active than most of the state and nation. In the early 2000s, 41 percent of Rockcastle County residents reported not participating in any physical activity or exercise within the previous month, compared with the statewide average of 31 percent.

Rockcastle County residents don’t get enough exercise for many reasons, one of which is the county’s physical environment. There are relatively few sidewalks, walking trails or facilities such as gyms, tennis courts or parks that facilitate activity. One of the few places one can run or walk safely is on a public road during an organized run/walk.

Impact

Throughout Countywide Stride’s six years, registration numbers have remained strong, and with each year, the goal is to continue to grow and increase participation volume. In 2010, there were 475 participants; in 2015, there were 2,077. Notably, Countywide Stride participants rate their overall health and fitness much higher than the rest of the local population. Last year, 42 percent rated themselves 1 for excellent health, while only 7 percent of local residents gave themselves the top rating in the community health needs assessment.

Contact: Jana Bray
Director, Community Relations
Telephone: 606-256-7880
Email: j.bray@rhrcc.org