Happy hearts at the 2025 Heart to Heart 5K

More than half of people in the United States are not aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in our country (Source: American Heart Association).

In fact, heart disease has been the #1 killer for more than a century. Every 34 seconds in the U.S., an adult dies from cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC). These are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, loved ones and friends — who might still be with us if there was more awareness for a disease that is usually preventable.

Because of these sobering statistics, the experienced cardiology team at Boulder Community Health’s Boulder Heart and the importance of the Foundation’s Heart to Heart Fund, the Heart to Heart 5K came to life. In 2024, our BCH community celebrated the inaugural event. Late last month on Sept. 28, the second annual Heart to Heart 5K brought together more than 2,050 runners, joggers and walkers for one of the top 3.1 mile-experiences in the country.

The gorgeous weather made for a perfect Expo weekend and race day, and everyone brought great energy, smiles and PR’s.

Presenting the Heart to Heart 5K wouldn’t have been possible without key support from Boulderthon Expo volunteers and 5K volunteers.

Dozens of BCH volunteers worked the aid station at mile 1.5 at Frontier and Pearl Parkway keeping participants hydrated and motivated. Volunteers passed out water; held signs with catchy health-related messages; and cheered their hearts out ringing cowbells.

We are also grateful to the following community businesses and organizations for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart 5K:

Gold Sponsors
Balfour Senior Living
CAPROCK
DeNucci & Associates
New Earth Records

Silver Sponsors
BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine
Elements Massage Boulder
NextHealth

Bronze Sponsors
Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder
Boulder Food Group
Dean Callan & Company, Inc.
Home Instead
PACT
Zio by iRhythm

During the Boulderthon Expo, team members from Elements Massage Boulder offered chair massages, while Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder provided mini acupuncture sessions. All sponsor organizations also provided promotional swag for the Expo and the popular 5K finisher bags.

In total, their sponsorships raised $50,000 for the Heart to Heart Fund.

The importance of the Heart to Heart Fund

When participants registered for Boulderthon’s series of races (the 5K, 10K, half and full marathon), they were given the opportunity to make a huge difference to community health and donate to the Heart to Heart Fund.

In honor of the Heart to Heart 5K, the BCH Foundation will match every dollar donated to the Heart to Heart Fund (up to $100,000) through Oct. 31. Donate at bch.org/h2h5k

The BCH Foundation’s Heart to Heart Fund was established in February 2023 to support patients in the prevention, treatment and management of their cardiac health. In the process, it also calls attention to Boulder Heart’s experienced team of surgeons, physicians, advanced practice providers (APP’s) and staff who deliver comprehensive cardiac care to the Boulder Valley and beyond.

“BCH is proud to offer our area’s only full-service cardiology program at Boulder Heart with a full range of life-saving treatments, experienced cardiologists and surgeons, as well as advanced technologies to keep our community’s hearts healthy,” says Robert Vissers, MD, BCH president and CEO. “The Heart to Heart 5K supports our vision of partnering to create and care for the healthiest community in the nation by offering a fun way for people to come together in community and wellness through movement as a means to better health.”

The Heart to Heart Fund supports financial assistance to cardiac patients so they have one less worry and can focus on their health, wellness and recovery. That might include access to essential medical equipment or wellness services, assistance with transportation for appointments, or expenses like co-pays or medications.

"The Heart to Heart Fund helped me with timely care for my heart condition. For financial reasons, I was planning to delay a visit to my BCH cardiologist for expensive diagnostic tests. My medical insurance situation was changing, and new coverage was still three to four months away. Because the Heart to Heart Fund was there, I received the timely care I needed without the worry and potential deterioration that a delay would entail. My family and I are very grateful for the financial help that Heart to Heart has provided.” - Grateful Heart to Heart Fund recipient and Boulder Heart patient

A month of movement

The Heart to Heart 5K served as the culminating event to BCH’s annual Movement Challenge, a month-long event to encourage participants to move each day and log results to win daily prizes. Research has shown that physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, particularly cardiovascular health. Physical activities, such as running and walking, can reduce heart attacks, strengthen heart muscles and reduce blood pressure, amongst other benefits.