ALBANY, N.Y. — Over 1,400 people of all ages gathered at the University at Albany for the 2025 Capital Region Heart Walk and Run. Many participants were survivors of heart disease and stroke.
The event included a 5K run and a 2-mile walk. CBS6’s Tom Eschen served as the emcee. Organizers stressed the event’s importance, noting that heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women.
The walk and run aim to raise funds for life-saving research. So far, the event has raised $450,000 toward a goal of $650,000 by the end of June.
Among those honored was 15-year-old Darin Vail, named a “Heart Hero.” Darin has undergone four open-heart surgeries before age five and now lives with a pacemaker. He said, “It wasn’t hard at all. I just got through it and didn’t give up.”
Amy Young, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, highlighted the role of exercise in preventing heart disease. She said, “Exercise is really important for prevention of heart disease. If you can get 30 minutes of exercise five days a week — 150 minutes total — that’s great.”
Participants also had the chance to learn CPR, supporting the event’s goal to promote heart health and safety.
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