Fourteenth Annual Health Freedom Walk Scheduled for June 9

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Montgomery County’s African American Health Program (AAHP), in collaboration with Health Freedom, Inc., and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning’s Montgomery Parks will host the 14^th Annual Health Freedom Celebration Walk: A Path to Wellness Walk on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.  The event will take place rain or shine. 

The three-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m.  Following the walk there will be vendors with health and wellness information, interactive activities for children, and crafts and living history demonstrations with Josiah Henson and Samuel Green reenactors.  Walk participants will also have free entry to the visitor’s center, which includes multimedia exhibits.   

The Health Freedom Celebration Walk is an innovative program to promote increased physical activity while making creative use of Maryland’s integral role in the Underground Railroad.  A six-week lifestyle change experience beginning in April each year culminates in the three-mile walk and gives walkers an opportunity to learn about Maryland’s important role in the Underground Railroad, while enjoying a morning of physical activity with friends and family.  

The goal of the event is to encourage residents to free themselves from the bondage of a sedentary lifestyle and become more active. “If enslaved could walk thousands of miles for freedom, surely people today can walk 30 minutes a day to move forward on a path towards a healthier lifestyle,” says Jeanne Charleston, founder of Health Freedom, Inc.   “By taking the first step, individuals can begin their personal journey to wellness and potentially live healthier lives.” 

Registration will begin at 8 a.m.  The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is located at 16501 Norwood Road in Silver Spring.  Pre-registration fees are $15 per person and FREE for children 10 years of age and younger.  On-site fees are $20. Registration fees include a cap, medallion, musical entertainment, and healthy treats. All proceeds collected support the Maryland Health Freedom Walk.  

Online and mail-in registration for the walk are available at www.healthfreedominc.org.  For more information, contact Elsa Kombet at 240-777-3806 or by email to elsa.kombet@montgomerycountymd.gov . 

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Release ID: 18-562
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 240-777-6534