By JUSTIN LIBERTOSKI
Hurley - The Hurley Area Lioness hosted the 12th annual Brian Nasi Memorial Heart Run/Walk at the Hurley K-12 School early Saturday morning.
The theme of the run is "Taking Strides to Build Healthy Hearts" and according to Lioness treasurer Gerry Traczyk, the idea of the race is to promote a healthy family environment for the community.
Racers registered in the school cafeteria where there was coffee, cookies and other snacks available before the race. Racers could either participate in the one-mile run/walk or the 5K run/walk.
Balloons were being sold for participants to put the names of lost loved ones on and were released when the race started.
The proceeds from the event are used to fund various community events and programs including sponsoring the Polar Bear Hockey Tournament as well as the Iron County Summer Youth Camp. The camp is for children in Iron County held at the North Lakeland Discovery Center, where for a week the children are able to experience nature and participate in activities with no electronic distractions, said Traczyk.
Proceeds have been used in the past to help purchase defibrillators for the Hurley School as well as other community projects.
On average the race brings in about 150 to 200 participants said Traczyk. "It's about promoting childhood wellness."
Before the race, Vanessa and Hannah Nasi sang the national anthem.