More than 1,000 Socorro Independent School District employees and their families participated in the first Healthy Body, Strong Mind (HBSM) Color 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Walk and Health Expo on Sept. 30 at the SISD Student Activities Complex.
The run/walk began at the intersection of Southview Dr. and Paseo Del Este Blvd., leading up Paseo Del Este Blvd. and ending at Ampleforth Park.
As they ran, runners were doused with colorful paint and cheered on by high school cheer squads and middle school drumlines.
Adrian Mena, an eighth-grade science teacher at Hurshel Antwine Middle School, said he enjoyed participating in the HBSM initiative with his colleagues.
“Today felt good. I improved my 5K time, which I felt real good since I’m training for a half marathon,” Mena said. “It’s great that this promotes community health and awareness, which are things we put off. Too often, we neglect our health and well-being, so it’s important to have more types of these events.”
Along with the 5K run, the Aetna Health Expo promoted fitness and wellness among SISD employees while encouraging community engagement. More than 50 wellness exhibitors were on site and included live fitness classes, flu shots, raffles, giveaways, and food trucks.
Claritsa West, a nurse at Escontrias STEAM Academy and an HBSM facilitator at her campus, said it was important for her peers to see her participate and set a good example.
“As a facilitator, I think health is super important, not only for your mental health but for your overall well-being,” West said. “Our teachers stress, so I always try to advocate how important it is for them to invest in their health. You have to take care of yourself before you take care of others.”
The health expo gave SISD employees the opportunity to engage with wellness partners and familiarize themselves with the services available to support their health needs.
“Today was a beautiful day for everyone to come out and get moving while enjoying our health exhibitors,” said Alexia Tucker, SISD coordinator of sports program. “We want our employees to take care of their overall wellness. So often, we spread ourselves thin and it’s important that people put their well-being first so that they can be the best version of themselves.”
Healthy Body, Strong Mind (HBSM) Color 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Walk and Health Expo event photos