Two Illawarra communities will be putting their best foot forward and embracing healthy habits in May.
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Healthy Cities Illawarra are hosting ‘5 x 5’ events in Bellambi and Lake Illawarra.
Healthy Cities Illawarra are hosting the walks with their partners, Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, Lake Illawarra PCYC and the Get Healthy Service, as well as Wollongong and Shellharbour City councils.
The 5 x 5 is a free community walking event whereby a 5km (or a comfortable distance) course is walked every Wednesday for the five weeks in May.
Maddison Stratten, health promotion officer at Healthy Cities Illawarra said they were using the walking paths in the Bellambi and Lake Illawarra neighbourhoods.
Ms Stratten said their overall aim was to encourage healthy habits, “and so after the five weeks is finished, people will continue walking in their community, and continue those healthy habits”.
She said a similar, successful event took place in Nowra a few years ago.
“The 5 x 5 is a free community walking event aiming to encourage healthy habits by utilising the walking paths around the Bellambi and Lake Illawarra communities,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome. Bring your friends, family and colleagues for a fun afternoon in your local neighbourhood.
“It is an all inclusive walk for all ages and physical activity levels.
“There’s no expectations that you’ve got to be fit, and it’s not a race.
“Healthy snacks and water stations will be available, as well as some exciting prizes.”
The free community walking events kick off on Wednesday, May 3.
The walks begin at Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre and Lake Illawarra PCYC respectively.
“We’ve got relationships with Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre and Lake Illawarra PCYC, and they were a good fit to give it a go and see how it goes,” Ms Stratten said.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to do it again, and then possibly we can do it in other areas next year as well.”
Pre-registration is available at the venues, or via the Healthy Cities Illawarra Facebook page.
Participants for either walk are asked to meet at 3.15pm on the day for registration before the walk starts at 3.30pm.
Visit www.facebook.com/events/273449493069270/ or www.facebook.com/events/141519753019055/ for more details.