Registration now open for the 2017 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community

PITTSBURGH (Feb. 1, 2017) — Highmark Inc. and community members will come together again across Pennsylvania and Delaware to raise money for more than 220 local nonprofit health and human services organizations participating in the annual Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Online registration for the walk is now open, so participants can take their first step towards completing this year's walk by registering today.

Highmark organizes and underwrites all costs associated with the walk, while walkers select the participating nonprofit organization they wish to support. The nonprofits then keep 100 percent of the funds raised by their walkers. The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community has been held annually throughout the region since 2003, and has helped organizations collectively raise nearly $10.6 million. Last year, 13,000 registered walkers raised $1.4 million.

"We invite community members to sign up to walk and help their favorite participating nonprofit organizations raise money for their individual missions," said Dan Onorato, executive vice president, Highmark Health. "Not only does the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community provide local nonprofits with a vital fundraising opportunity and offer walkers a scenic route for exercise, it brings the community together to support the nonprofits that provide important services in our communities."

A 5K (3.1 mile) route and a one-mile fun walk (both handicap-accessible) are available, and pets on leashes are welcome. In addition to the walk, there will be entertainment, refreshments and prizes.

Walkers can register at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community website, where they can select their walk location and the participating nonprofit of their choice.

The locations, dates and participating nonprofits include:

• Pittsburgh — Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Stage AE on the North Shore
  View the nonprofits that will participate in Pittsburgh.
• Harrisburg — Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Harrisburg Area Community College
  View the nonprofits that will participate in Harrisburg.
• Johnstown — Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Central Park in downtown Johnstown
  View the nonprofits that will participate in Johnstown.
• Lehigh Valley — Saturday, June 3, 2017 at DeSales University
  View the nonprofits that will participate in Lehigh Valley.
• Wilmington, Del. — Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Bellevue State Park
  View the nonprofits that will participate in Delaware.
• Erie — Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Presque Isle State Park
  View the nonprofits that will participate in Erie.

Onsite registration and check in for all walks begins at 7:45 a.m. The 5K walks commence at 9:00 a.m. followed by the one-mile fun walks at 9:15 a.m.